“...Havingopen conversations, howlisteningto people andarefeelingcreating supportive soenvironmentsis important.
Alexa Moore - Make N.I No Place For Hate
GNI Tries
Danny Malone on Hair
Mounderwear
Moxy Belfast City
Gigs, Festivals, Tours & Theatre
Nicole and Hayley
Four Seasons Monaghan
Tom and Thomas
Elephant Rock Hotel
Gary’s Hot Hits & Celeb Bits
Peter Irvine on Interieros
The Gourmet Boys - 5 Lunch Locations
Dr Bryan - My Routine As A Dermatologist
Paul - Pride Was Never About the Parade
Martin Murray - Ladies Gaelic Football Association
Gavyn takes at a trip to Folsom
Credits
Daniel May Editor & Director daniel@gnimag.com
Pauline Fitzpartick Commercial
Executive
Tony Day Design
Columnists:
Gary Campion / Danny Malone / The Gourmet Boys / Martin Murray / Peter Irvine / Paul McAllister / Gavyn Andrews / Alexa Moore / Dr Bryan and Michael Maloney
Thanks to:
Bradley Riches, Elliott Brady, Jersey Boys, Sam Smith, Dylan Gibson, Tom Hulme, Sandy Hoe, John O’Flaherty-Lynch, Lauren Dempsey, Jason Cancino, Alan Cox, Nicole and Hayley, Tom and Thomas, Moxy Hotel Belfast, The Grand Opera House, Average Boys Club, McConnells Whiskey, High Society, Mounderwear, Four Seasons Monaghan, Elephant Rock Hotel, Chuff Media, True Pride, Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and everyone else you submitted editorial.
SATURDAY 25TH JULY
As I sit down to write this letter, I cannot quite believe we have reached Issue 75 of GNIMAG. Every edition tells a story, not just about our community but about where we are in our own lives. This issue feels particularly special because it reflects a season of change, celebration, hope and,
AN INTRO FROM THE CHIEF
The past few months have been incredibly busy, both personally and professionally. One of the biggest milestones in my life is almost within reach as I near the end of my adoption home assessment. In just a few weeks, my journey will go before the panel for a final decision. It has been one of the most emotional, challenging and rewarding experiences I have ever undertaken. It has also reminded me that family comes in many forms, and love has no limits. Whatever happens next, I know this journey has already changed me for the better. Before all of that, though, I am taking something I have learned not to feel guilty about, a proper break. By the time many of you read this, I will be enjoying some sunshine in Tunisia, taking the opportunity to switch off, recharge and return with fresh energy for the exciting months ahead. Sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is simply pause.
There is certainly plenty to look forward to. I cannot wait to perform at Lurgan Pride on 16 August, celebrating with a community that continues to inspire me every single day. Pride remains as important as ever, and throughout this issue you will find powerful reminders of why visibility, authenticity and kindness still matter.
Alongside that, we bring you honest conversations around PrEP, community safety, authenticity, lifestyle, travel, theatre, fashion and so much more. Whether you are looking to be informed, inspired or simply entertained, I hope there is something here that speaks to you.
This issue is also one I wanted to dedicate to someone very special.
On 26 June, our family said goodbye to my granny, Bridie. She was a force to be reckoned with, full of strength, character and unconditional love. It feels only right that Issue 75 is dedicated to her memory.
Finally, thank you. Whether you have been with us since our very first issue or have only recently discovered GNIMAG, your continued support allows us to celebrate LGBTQIA+ lives, amplify important voices and share stories that matter. Every read, every message, every conversation and every bit of encouragement helps keep this magazine alive.
I hope you enjoy Issue 75 as much as we have enjoyed putting it together.
Until next time,
BRAD RITCHes
Brad
Riches:
Heartstopper,
Marriage, Advocacy and What Comes Next
For someone still in his early twenties, Brad Riches has already amassed an enviable list of achievements. From winning hearts around the world as James McEwan in Netflix’s Heartstopper to joining the cast of Emmerdale, becoming an award winning actor, published author, autism advocate and recently celebrating his marriage, Brad continues to prove that talent, determination and authenticity are a powerful combination.
Having been recognised with accolades including Best Newcomer at the TV Choice Awards and Autism Celebrity Role Model of the Year, he has become one of the most inspiring young voices in British entertainment. With the highly anticipated Heartstopper Forever film set to premiere on 17 July, bringing an emotional close to a chapter that changed his life forever, we sat down with Brad to reflect on his journey, his successes and what comes next.
Looking at everything you’ve achieved so far, from acting and writing to advocacy and award recognition, do you ever get the chance to stop and appreciate just how much you’ve accomplished in such a short space of time? Yeah, it’s one of those things where, as quite a quiet person, you’re always looking for the next thing. You want to keep going, keep doing your thing and keep speaking for the communities you’re part of.
Recently, though, I have taken a moment to sit back, reflect and feel proud of myself. I probably need more moments like that because everything is very much go, go, go. But when I look back at what I’ve achieved over the last six years, I do feel very proud.
Winning Best Newcomer at the TV Choice Awards was a huge moment in your career. What did that recognition mean to you personally?
It meant so much because the award was voted for by the viewers and the public. For people to think I was deserving of it meant a lot because they’re the reason the show exists. I felt incredibly privileged and grateful. Playing James was already enough of a reward because he’s a character who means so much to me and to so many others. He represents stories that often aren’t told. To then receive an award for that role, voted for by the public, was really the cherry on top.
You were also named Autism Celebrity Role Model of the Year. How special was it to receive an award that recognised not only your work but also your impact on others? It was incredibly special. Being recognised for acting is amazing, but receiving an award for something that’s so close to my heart was different.
For so long, you’re looking for role models and
people to inspire you. To then be named a role model for other people was something I took very much to heart. It meant a lot.
You’ve become a powerful advocate for autism awareness and acceptance. What conversations do you hope society is having now that perhaps weren’t happening when you were growing up?
I think support and understanding are the biggest things.
It’s about making sure people don’t feel alone or singled out. Having open conversations, listening to how people are feeling and creating supportive environments is so important. If we start from a place of kindness and love, that’s always the best first step.
Heartstopper introduced you to a global audience and changed countless lives. Looking back now, what has that journey meant to you? It’s been life changing.
I originally auditioned for Charlie in the first season and didn’t get the role, but then I was invited to appear as a featured character. When Season One came out and I saw how huge it became, I remember thinking, “Why didn’t I get that?” because it was such an incredible show.
The character of James felt like such a good fit for me. The show changed my life personally and professionally. We were all there for each other, supporting one another, and we loved the show just as much as the fans did. At its heart, it’s a celebration of people, and being part of that has been incredible.
The Heartstopper Forever movie arrives on 17 July and will bring this chapter of the story to a close. How emotional has it been saying goodbye to James and the cast who became such a huge part of your life? It was definitely bittersweet.
“...Having open conversations, listening to how people are feeling and creating supportive environments is so important.”
When I was invited to audition for Season Two, I knew exactly how special it was. Unlike some of the cast who didn’t know what the show would become when they signed on, I knew how big it already was and I really wanted to be part of it.
When Seasons Two and Three were commissioned together, there was always that feeling that Season Three could be the last one. We never really knew. So to finally have the chance to give the story a proper farewell felt emotional, but also really special.
I’m incredibly grateful for the show and grateful that a series like Heartstopper exists. Even though it’s ending, we’ll all stay in touch. We’re all still cheering each other on and we’re all still friends.
Without giving too much away, what can fans expect from the film and why do you think it will be the perfect ending for the Heartstopper story?
I think fans will be very happy. The team wanted to stay as faithful as possible to the books, which
is really important.
As for surprises, they’ll have to watch and find out!
One of the reasons fans connect with Heartstopper is the authenticity of its characters. What did playing James teach you about yourself?
It was really nice playing someone who was younger and completely comfortable in who he was.
It made me think about what growing up could have been like, and it taught me to be grateful for where I am now. More than anything, it reminded me how important it is for younger people to see characters like James and realise it’s okay to be themselves.
That’s something I’m really grateful to have been part of.
You recently joined Emmerdale, one of Britain’s most iconic television dramas. How different has that experience been compared with working on Heartstopper?
It’s completely different.
With a limited series like Heartstopper, you get all the scripts up front and you know exactly where your character begins and ends. With a soap, you don’t really know what’s coming next. Sometimes you only know what’s happening over the next couple of weeks.
It’s much faster paced and that really challenges you as an actor. You can’t overthink things. You have to trust your instincts and just go with it. On Heartstopper we might film three scenes in a day. On Emmerdale, you could be filming ten or eleven. It’s intense, but it’s teaching me so much.
Soap acting requires a unique skill set, with fast paced production schedules and intense storylines. What have you enjoyed most about becoming part of the Emmerdale family?
I think it’s how natural everything feels. Because things move so quickly, you don’t have time to overanalyse every line. You’re reacting in the moment, trusting your instincts and working closely with the cast.
It’s definitely pushing me as an actor and helping
me grow.
Alongside acting, you’re also a published author. Where did your passion for writing begin, and how different is storytelling on the page compared to storytelling on screen? When I was younger, I was always writing stories and little novels. It was a creative outlet that I really enjoyed.
It’s something I’d always loved, but I never imagined it would become part of my career. As my audience grew and I started sharing more of my experiences, it felt like the right time to combine those things and create something that could help people while also allowing me to do something I love.
Writing had always been there in the background, but it felt like the right moment to make it a reality.
Did becoming an author fulfil a childhood ambition, or was writing something that developed alongside your acting career? Absolutely.
The book was a real passion project. Of course there were days when I sat down and thought, “My brain isn’t working today,” but most of the time I loved every second of it.
Because I cared so much about the message and what I wanted to say, it never really felt like work. It felt like doing something meaningful.
This year has also brought happiness in your personal life with your recent marriage. How has married life been treating you so far? It’s great.
Everything feels the same, but somehow even better. He’s my soulmate and getting married was just the cherry on top.
Everything is still the same, but in the best possible way.
Balancing a successful career, public profile and personal milestones can be challenging. What helps keep you grounded amidst everything that’s happening?
Definitely my family and friends.
I have such a great support network around me and spending time with them keeps everything in perspective. Sometimes we just sit and laugh about how crazy everything is.
Having those people around me is what keeps me grounded.
Looking ahead, what’s next on your bucket list? Whether it’s a dream acting role, another book, stage work, or something completely unexpected, what ambitions are still waiting to be ticked off?
I want to keep reaching more people and continue doing exciting projects.
I’d love to do more entertainment shows. I had such a great experience on Celebrity Big Brother, so I’d definitely be open to doing something like that again.
Strictly Come Dancing would be amazing. I’m definitely putting that out into the universe! As for I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! maybe when I’m forty and need a paycheck! But honestly, I’m very much a yes person. If an opportunity comes along, I’ll give it a go.
Whether he’s captivating audiences on screen, inspiring young autistic people through his advocacy, or sharing stories through his writing, Brad Riches continues to break barriers and challenge expectations. As Heartstopper Forever prepares to close a defining chapter of his career and exciting opportunities continue to emerge, he remains a shining example of what can be achieved through talent, resilience and authenticity.
One thing is certain: while one chapter may be ending, Brad Riches’ story is only just beginning.
Interview with Daniel May
Follow Bradley on instagram brad_rishes
Healthy Skin Starts Here
Elliott Brady
The Agony Uncle We Didn’t Know We Needed
Whether he is commanding a stage, creating content for thousands of followers online, turning heads with his fashion choices or stepping behind the microphone as a podcast host, Elliott Brady has built a career that thrives on authenticity. Known for his infectious personality, sharp wit and unapologetic sense of style, Elliott has cultivated a loyal audience by simply being himself. With the launch of his new podcast, Agony Uncle, adding another exciting chapter to his story, GNI MAG Editor Daniel caught up with Elliott to discuss creativity, confidence, life in the spotlight and why staying true to yourself never goes out of fashion.
Many readers may not realise that Elliott also has strong Northern Irish roots, with his father originally hailing from Belfast’s Falls Road. As his latest venture prepares to launch, we sat down with the performer, content creator and podcast host for a candid chat about confidence, fashion, social media and what comes next.
You’ve worn a lot of different hats throughout your career: performer, content creator, influencer and now podcaster. When meeting someone new, what do you typically say your job is?
I always say I’m a performer. I feel like there’s still a bit of a stigma around saying you’re a content creator, even though some of the biggest careers in the world have come from that. Performing is what takes up most of my time, so that’s what I naturally identify with.
Exciting news about the podcast. You’ve always seemed to have an opinion on just about everything. Was becoming a podcaster a natural next step, or did you simply decide more people needed to hear your thoughts? Elliott: I guess I am a bit of an agony uncle with my friends. We’re all each other’s agony uncles really. Over the years I’ve picked up advice from so many different people and experiences. The idea for Agony Uncle came to me last year before I started Come Alive. I developed the concept, but rehearsals took over and it ended up on the back burner.
It was always something I wanted to bring to life because it felt very personal to me. Now the timing feels perfect and it fits exactly where my life is at the moment.
Every podcast host has their dream guest. If you could sit down with absolutely anyone for an hour, who would it be and why?
I’d love to have Ash Holme and Jack Remmington on because I think they’re hilarious personalities. I listen to their podcast and really enjoy it. I’d also absolutely love to have Brittany Broski on. She’s got that chaotic energy that I’m completely obsessed
with.
Social media often shows only the highlight reel. What’s something about your life that people would be genuinely surprised to learn?
Probably how many days of the week I actually dress really badly! There are plenty of days where I genuinely can’t be bothered and I’ll throw on the worst outfit imaginable.
I think people would also be surprised by how little I focus on things like meal plans or strict routines. I get messages all the time asking for my diet and workout plan, and the truth is I don’t really have one. I work out when I can, but I definitely don’t have some secret formula.
Your confidence is something people really admire. Has confidence always come naturally to you, or is it something you’ve had to build over time?
Elliott: Definitely something I’ve had to build. I’ve always preferred the phrase “fake it until you become it”.
When I’m nervous, I talk a lot and I think people often mistake that for confidence. Over time I’ve become really good at turning those nerves into something that looks like confidence from the outside. Even now, if I’m nervous before an audition or meeting new people, I’ll find myself chatting away. People tell me I come across as confident, which is lovely to hear, but often it’s just my nerves working overtime.
If someone borrowed your phone for 24 hours, what would they discover you’re
completely obsessed with right now? Photos. I’m obsessed with taking photos. Not necessarily of myself, but of everything else. My photo gallery is basically my memory bank.
Years ago I lost a huge batch of photos from my first cruise ship contract and I genuinely cried. There were so many memories attached to them. I’m also a complete hoarder when it comes to my phone. I keep everything. If I’ve deleted your WhatsApp chat, you’ve really done something wrong!
Your fashion sense is one of your trademarks. What’s the boldest outfit you’ve ever worn and thought, “This could either be iconic or a complete disaster”?
Last year I wore a pair of Urban Outfitters boxer shorts and convinced myself they were actual shorts. I went out to my local park wearing them and didn’t realise until I got home that I’d basically been walking around in my underwear. Looking back, that was definitely a choice!
More recently, the outfit I wore to the House of the Dragon premiere was one of the most dressed up and fashion forward looks I’ve ever done, but thankfully people seemed to love it.
Fashion trends come and go. Is there a trend you wish would disappear forever, and one you’d love to see make a comeback? Skinny jeans should absolutely never come back. Ever. I was a Topman skinny jeans boy for years, so I’ve done my time.
As for what people are sleeping on, kids’
T-shirts are brilliant. They fit so well and half the time people compliment something I’m wearing, it’s actually from the kids’ section.
As a performer, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from being on stage that has helped you in everyday life?
Knowing when to give your full heart to something and when to hold a little back.
When you’re doing eight shows a week, you can’t give absolutely everything in every moment or you’ll burn yourself out. That’s something I’ve taken into my personal life too. I’m someone who feels things deeply and cares deeply, but I’ve learned the importance of pacing yourself and protecting your energy.
What’s been your most embarrassing on stage moment that you can laugh about now?
During We Will Rock You I had a prop attached to my wrist and during a movement it flew across the stage. The problem was nobody else was moving, so it was incredibly obvious.
I completely lost it and started laughing. Once I start laughing on stage, that’s it, I’m gone. I was trying to stay in character while wondering how on earth I was going to retrieve this prop from halfway across the stage. Mortifying at the time, hilarious now.
Social media audiences can be incredibly supportive but also incredibly critical. How do you deal with negativity when it comes your way?
I get the occasional negative comment, usually about an outfit or something completely harmless.
Years ago it might have bothered me more, but now I honestly don’t care. As long as I’m happy with what I’m doing, that’s all that matters. Social media started as something fun for me. The moment I let other people’s opinions dictate how I feel, I’m giving it far too much power.
What advice would you give to someone struggling to embrace who they are?
Meet as many different kinds of people as you possibly can.
I genuinely believe that the more you learn about other people, the more you learn about yourself. Most of what I’ve discovered about who I am has come from stepping outside my comfort zone and meeting people from different backgrounds and experiences. Put yourself in spaces that challenge you, especially if you have a good
support network around you. That’s where real growth happens.
You’re stranded on a desert island with only one outfit, one album and one food item. What are you taking?
EA pair of Speedos, a can of Coke and either Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande, Noah Kahan’s latest album or something by RAYE. It depends what mood I’m in that day.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the next chapter?
Right now I’m putting my whole heart into Agony Uncle. I want to prove to myself that I can build something around my personality and my love of conversation.
I’d love to interview people on red carpets,
chat with celebrities and help normalise conversations with people who often seem untouchable. That’s something that really excites me.
You have to describe Elliott Brady in just three words.
Elliott: Caring. Stupid. Short. Before we go, is there anything you’d like to shamelessly plug?
Elliott: The podcast! The podcast! The podcast! Honestly, I’m incredibly excited for people to hear it. Agony Uncle launches on 1 July, with new episodes released weekly.
Interview with Daniel May
Follow Elliott on Instagram elliott_brady and agonyunclepod
jersey boys
OH, WHAT A NIGHT!
Twenty years on, Jersey Boys is still the jukebox musical to beat. As the acclaimed production returns on a brand new UK and Ireland tour, the cast explain why the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons continues to strike a chord with audiences around the world.
There are few musicals that can genuinely claim legendary status. Even fewer can say they have remained a theatrical phenomenon for two decades while introducing an entirely new generation to timeless music. Yet Jersey Boys has done exactly that.
Since its Broadway debut in 2005, more than 30 million people have experienced the extraordinary story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Packed with unforgettable songs, emotional highs and heartbreaking lows, it has become the benchmark against which every jukebox musical is measured.
Now, celebrating its twentieth anniversary, the Olivier and Tony Award winning production is back on the road with a fresh cast and the return of the original creative team.
Ahead of its Belfast visit, GNIMAG caught up with the stars bringing one of musical theatre’s greatest success stories back to life.
As the awards-laden musical Jersey Boys marks its 20th anniversary, the show is working its way back to you with a new UK and Ireland tour that reunites the original creative team of director Des McAnuff, choreographer Sergio Trujillo and musical supervisor Ron Melrose.
“They’re the dream team,” beams Luke Baker, who heads the cast as Frankie Valli of the Four Seasons fame, “and this is the dream role. It’s been on my wish list for longer than I can remember and when it was on at the Prince Edward Theatre in London I worked front of house, so I saw it maybe 100 times.”
Having starred in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, An Officer and a Gentleman and Billy Elliot in the interim, Wakefield-born Luke adds: “Now I finally get to play Frankie and it’s my biggest, most challenging role to date. It’s such a fast-paced show. When we first did a run through of act one it was like the first time you drive on the motorway, you put your foot down and go ‘God, this is fast’. Then you settle into it and it’s like ‘I’ve got this’. For me, being in this show is everything I hoped it would be and more.”
When it premiered on Broadway in late 2005, Jersey Boys was praised for its clever use of the Four Seasons’ music to tell their rags to riches story. As dramatised by book writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, the musical charts their rise from four guys hanging out on the streets of New Jersey to their inauguration into the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame thanks to the chart-storming success of such hits as Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, Working My Way Back to You, December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) and Frankie’s solo smash Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, to name just a few.
“The music is incredible and they were one of the few groups to have falsetto vocals as the lead parts,” Luke marvels. “They had such a unique sound and Frankie could sing anything from R&B and doo-wop to jazz and disco. His vocal ability is crazy and nailing Frankie’s famous falsetto takes a lot of work, but once you get there it becomes like second nature, as do the band’s very specific dance moves.”
As for the character of Valli, the actor adds: “There are so many layers to him. He’s loyal and determined, and he faces adversity head-on.” Without giving spoilers, he adds: “Like the rest of the band, Frankie suffers setbacks and tragedy in a show that’s as full of drama as it is of fun and fantastic songs. As jukebox musicals go, it’s the gold
standard.”
Since it’s US premiere, Jersey Boys has been seen by more than 30 million people worldwide. It has won 65 major awards, including the Tony for Best Musical and, after it opened in London in 2008, the Olivier for Best New Musical.
The show’s awards haul also includes the Helpmann Award for Best Musical in the Australian homeland of Carlo Boumouglbay. Growing up in Queensland, Carlo got hooked on the Four Seasons’ songs, recalling: “My mum loved 60s rock n roll, so their music was always on in the car.” Years later he saw Jersey Boys in Sydney. “And I thought it was brilliant, not just because of all the songs but also because it tells their life stories. It gives you a peek behind the curtain of showbusiness. The music is amazing, of course, but it’s also a really gripping true story.”
Having moved to the UK a year ago, the actor whose CV includes Muriel’s Wedding and Miss Saigon now gets to play Tommy DeVito in the show. He’s relishing playing the band’s founder member and resident bad boy, saying: “Tommy’s got a lot of courage and he doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. He’s maybe not the nicest of guys at times and he rattles a few cages, but he’s full of passion.”
The biggest challenge? Learning to play an electric guitar! “Never done that before,” Carlo laughs. “We have incredible musicians doing the real playing, so the finger-picking needs to look realistic. Then there’s the accent. I have to sound like I’m from New Jersey, not Queensland, but again we have an incredible dialect coach.”
Carlo is looking forward to taking the show around the UK and Ireland. “It’s going to be a voyage of discovery for me because we’re going to places I’ve never been to before. I’ve seen some of the towns and cities on TV and in films back in Australia, but now I get to experience them for real.”
Newcastle-born Lewis Kennedy plays bassist and arranger Nick Massi, of whom he says: “Nick is the quietest of the bunch and he’s often described as being really smart with a genius for harmonies.”
Like Luke, Lewis had auditioned for various Jersey Boys roles over the years. “So it’s always been on my wish list and I think it’s the best of all the so-called jukebox musicals because the script is so strong and it takes audiences, as well as we actors, on a big journey. It’s full of emotion and having each character narrate different bits of the story gives it a unique twist.”
Founded in 1960, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons went on to sell 100 million records worldwide as one of the most successful bands of all time. The origins of their name, their mob connections and their affiliation with a certain future star of Goodfellas are all charted in the musical. “And before I saw it I didn’t know any of that stuff,” Lewis says. “I knew the music because my grandparents listened to it all the time, but the details of their rise to fame were surprising and fascinating.”
Jersey Boys ran for 12 years on Broadway and nine years in the West End, making it one of the longestrunning musicals on both sides of the pond. Having enjoyed numerous international productions and tours, it returned to the West End at the renovated Trafalgar Theatre in 2012 and played for three years.
“Getting to be in the 20th anniversary tour is a real honour, especially as we’re working with the original team” says Lewis, whose other credits include The Pirates of Penzance and The Rat Pack Live. “I think the show has lasted this long because the book and the story are as strong as the songs and it takes us on a rollercoaster ride that mirrors what the band went through to achieve success.”
Completing the core cast is Toby Miles as baby of the Four Seasons bunch Bob Gaudio. “He’s the musical brains of the group,” Toby elaborates. “He writes a lot of the music and he’s very clued-up, articulate and business-oriented. He’s an interesting character because, unlike the others, he’s not largely driven by emotion.”
Having previously been in Les Misérables and School of Rock, Toby concurs with his castmates when he says: “It’s a dream role in a dream show. I’ve always loved the music and the show has a lot of heart. It appeals to all demographics, I think, and there’s so much happening in terms of the relationships between the characters. It’s deep and charged and quite brilliant in its storytelling.”
The Newcastle-born actor has piano-playing in his skill set, so the musical numbers are in his wheelhouse. “I’m lucky in that respect because it’s an instrument that I’m comfortable with. But the show is challenging in other ways because the script is packed full of dialogue and it moves at an incredibly fast pace. Each of us gets to narrate a ‘season’ in the story and that means directly addressing the audience, which is fun.”
The writers did extensive interviews with band members and the people who knew them. “So the script is a treasure trove,” says Toby, “alongside the usual research tools like YouTube clips.” And as for
why the musical has had a staying power to match that of Frankie and the band themselves, he feels: “People grew up with this music, either the first time around or because their parents continue to play it or because they’ve heard it on the radio. Songs like Oh, What A Night and Beggin’ have had second lives, and on top of that there’s this riveting story.”
Frankie Valli will be played at certain performances by Ellis Kirk, who hails from Huddersfield and has been in Dear Evan Hansen, Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York and Back to the Future.
“Like the others I auditioned for Jersey Boys before and now I get to be in it, which is fantastic,” he smiles. “There are so many things that hooked me in about it, from all those Four Seasons hits which are great fun to perform to how it explores these characters and their journey across several decades.”
The creative team have proven to be an invaluable help. “They know the show inside out and they’ve got lots of background information that we can delve into,” Ellis says, “plus the script is so brilliant that it does a lot of the work for you. I love getting to play these different age ranges as well as being able to explore a character who is so driven and ambitious.”
As for literally hitting the high notes, he says: “It’s vocally demanding but ever since I was a kid I’ve sung falsetto. And there’s so much more to Frankie’s voice. The falsetto made him famous but with songs like Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, for example, there’s a deeper register and so much grit to his singing.”
And as for what makes Jersey Boys stand out as a musical, Ellis feels: “The other guys have said it already, but on top of the brilliant music there’s such a gripping story. And it’s not just a musical that has all your favourite songs in there, they’re there for a reason - to tell a fascinating true story that’s as compelling as any work of fiction.”
For longtime fans, it’s a welcome return to one of musical theatre’s greatest modern classics. For anyone discovering Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons for the first time, prepare to find out exactly why Jersey Boys has earned its place among the very best.
Jersey Boys runs in Belfast’s Grand Opera House from 26th August. Tickets are available from goh.co.uk
What pride means to me..
We asked some of our contributors, advertisers and friends “What Pride Means” to them. Here is what they said!
Pride is about creating a welcoming environment where every guest and team member at The Balmoral Hotel feels seen, respected and valued. For us, celebrating Pride reflects our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the warm, genuine hospitality that defines our culture. We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel comfortable being themselves. When people feel they belong, we create more meaningful experiences, stronger connections and a workplace and guest experience that reflects the very best of The Balmoral Hotel.
As a self-employed hairstylist in Belfast, Pride means being able to show up as my authentic self while helping others feel confident in theirs. The salon chair is a place where people can express who they are without judgement. Pride is about visibility, acceptance, and celebrating individuality, while continuing to build a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and welcome
“Pride reminds me that change happens because ordinary people choose courage over comfort. I grew up at a time when being openly gay still carried fear. Today I spend my life celebrating love and commitment with couples of every background. That journey is not something I take for granted. Pride is a celebration, but it is also a thank you to those who made my life, and countless others, more equal, more hopeful and more free.” -
Michael Conlan
Charlotte, Elephant Rock Hotel
For our business, Pride is more than a moment on the calendar—it’s a commitment to treating everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect. We strive to create an environment where individuality is valued and where people from all backgrounds feel comfortable, safe, and included.
“Pride is about making the world feel safe and full of queer joy, if just for a time. It’s always great to see what a warm reception everyone gives to sexual health services and charities at Pride – that feeling of caring and supporting each other, including our health, is a big part of what makes it so special.” Justin Harbottle, SH:24
Peter Irvine - Pride, to me, is a second chance at life. It’s a chance to reclaim all the missed opportunities to be happy as a young child in the closet. It is bravery. It is kindness. It’s about showing younger Peterand anyone who sees me now - that it’s okay to be happy and proud. More than okay - it’s a beautiful thing and I have a life now that I never thought possible!
As a Gay business owner running Malewellnessni , Pride means a time for me to both reflect on the past battles of the community and Celebrate myself and further highlight MEN regardless of backgrounds that as a community we welcome all men and want to be respected and treated as equals both individually and as business professionals. Happy Pride
Pride, to me, is a celebration of authenticity. It is the quiet courage to remove the masks we’ve worn to survive and to meet the world with honesty, love and compassion. It reminds us that our differences are not something to fear but something to honour. Pride isn’t just for the LGBTQ+ community; it is an invitation for everyone to live with greater truth, kindness and humanity. Paul McAllister- Soul Script
Danny Malone
James Herridge-Gibson, Human Resource Manager, Moxy Belfast City ‘Pride, to me, is about creating spaces where people feel safe to be unapologetically themselves.
In Moxy Belfast City, it means celebrating individuality, championing inclusion, and ensuring every guest feels seen and valued and every team member can bring their whole selves to work. We’ve come a long way, but Pride helps us push further!’
“Pride means a lot at Andras House. As a company, inclusion and diversity are fundamental, and we welcome staff of all backgrounds and communities. Our hotels are also in the heart of pride, welcoming guests during the city’s celebrations, and adorning lobbies with pride flags and other decorations. As a member of the queer community, I feel welcome and appreciated in the company and I am never made to feel ashamed about who I am.”
Julie Armouet Marketing Executive Ardras House Hotel Group
Pride means celebrating people for who they are and creating spaces where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. At 2TAPS, that’s something we’ve always believed in. For over 20 years, we’ve welcomed people through our doors from all backgrounds, communities and walks of life. We’re proud to support Pride, proud to be part of Belfast, and proud to be a place where everybody is welcome ” Jaron at 2Taps
At Four Seasons Hotel and Leisure Club, Monaghan , Pride represents a commitment to creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, our colleagues, guests, and neighbours by embracing diversity and equality. Pride is a reminder that stronger communities are built through acceptance, understanding, and
Pride is about going out and showing your face, showing your colours, and being your authentic self. It may seem like a small act, but it can inspire someone to be themselves, wake up those who choose to live in darkness, or even save a life. Cheers to those who lead the way by showing their Pride day in and day out, making
Northern Ireland a more welcoming and inclusive place for us all. - Aaron Norton, Fish City
Jenny Lindop Bridal - Love looks good on everyone! Say yes to the dress and love without limits. Pride month is our chance to shine a little brighter in the LGBTQ+ community, but our commitment to inclusivity lasts all year long. Happy pride from us - love always wins.
the shared belief that everyone deserves to belong.
SAM SMITH
FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM ‘HAZEL EYES’ WITH ACCOMPANYING SINGLE ‘MY GUY’
Multi-Platinum, GRAMMY®, BRIT, Golden Globe, and Oscar-winning artist and songwriter Sam Smith has announced their highly anticipated fifth studio album, ‘Hazel Eyes’, due for release on 21st August 2026, alongside brand new single ‘My Guy’ out via Capitol Records UK now.
Of ‘My Guy’, Sam said This is a song that I feel I have been waiting a lifetime to write and sing. Written with beautiful friends on a summer’s day in New York, this one fell out of the sky. In this sometimes cold and distant world, I hope you can feel the love and the closeness of this recording. I tried to capture the glow and the warmth of love in this one. It makes me cry, maybe it will make you feel a little love too.’
‘My Guy’, taken from the album ‘Hazel Eyes’, is a heartfelt ode to the city of New York Sam now calls home. A modern fairytale of requited love, capturing themes of emotional vulnerability, artistic freedom, and self-reflection. Created alongside longtime collaborator and friend Simon Aldred, the album paints a rich sonic landscape, blending intimacy with expansive storytelling. Most of the 12-song LP took shape in New York, where Sam joined forces with a small circle of collaborators, including indie-pop luminary Feist and multi-instrumentalist/ composer Shahzad Ismaily (Yoko Ono, Damien Rice). Partly recorded at the legendary Electric Lady Studios, the result is an album that draws from an eclectic constellation of genres (baroque pop, British folk, outlaw country, left-field R&B)—all while foregrounding their incandescent voice and soul-baring storytelling.
Audiences were given a striking introduction to the new music when Sam announced their run of global residencies and unveiled the eponymous ‘To Be Free’, captured through a soulful one-take vocal and guitar recording. The series
of performances debuted at Brooklyn’s historic Warsaw before continuing to San Francisco, where Sam became one of the first artists to perform on the newly refurbished stage of the iconic Castro Theatre. These shows blended beloved hits with unreleased tracks from the new album alongside surprise appearances from artists including Hozier, Ed Sheeran, Brandi Carlile, SIENNA SPIRO, and Kim Petras. Among the new songs unveiled were the new single ‘My Guy’, a tender and personal love letter co-written Fiest, who also features on the sultry ‘Moondance’; and the country-infused ‘Constant Companion’, exploring the complexities of true love, each song offering a glimpse into the emotional depth and sonic breadth of the new record on which Sam has both written and produced. Sam’s residency series continues this summer at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City, building anticipation ahead of the album’s official release, with more global live dates to be announced soon.
To celebrate the release of ‘My Guy’ and the announcement of ‘Hazel Eyes’, Sam showcased a series of performances, including the global debut of ‘My Guy’ at the inaugural MAJ Awards in Japan and a stunning UK first on BBC2’s Later With Jools Holland. They also in a spectacular kickoff to NYC Pride Weekend delivered a historic, intimate performance at The Booking.com Theatre at the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Centre (SNMVC). The first LGBTQ+ visitor centre within the National Park Service, the SNMVC honours the legacy of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and serves as a vital physical sanctuary dedicated to protecting and preserving LGBTQ+ history. The performance will unite Sam’s generation-defining voice with one of the movement’s most sacred sites, celebrating the enduring power of queer history, community, and resilience.
Of ‘Hazel Eyes’ Sam said ‘This album is
an incredibly special record to me. I have been writing it for over three years with a very small group of beautiful, dear friends of mine. This album is very personal, and I feel I have deepened myself as an artist through the making of it, through being a producer on the record, to walking alongside this record from the start to the finish and pushing myself at every single turn. This record and this music is incredibly romantic. I’ve learned so many life lessons through making this album, and I’ve documented it all through the music.’
Sam Smith is one of the most celebrated musical artists to emerge in recent history. A five-time GRAMMY® winner, Sam holds two Guinness World Records – for the most consecutive weeks in the U.K. Top 10 Album Chart (for their 2014 debut, In The Lonely Hour) and for having the first James Bond theme to reach No.1 on the U.K. charts (for the Oscar and Golden Globe-winning “Writing’s on the Wall”). Sam has amassed over 64 million adjusted album sales, 392 million singles and over 57 billion career streams across their catalogue of critically acclaimed albums In the Lonely Hour, The Thrill of It All, Love Goes and GLORIA, which Rolling Stone praised as “their deepest album yet” and includes the global smash single, “Unholy,” Ft. Kim Petras. The track spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and four weeks at No. 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart, marking Sam’s eighth to top the tally. In June 2025, Sam released their showstopping live album BBC Proms At The Royal Albert Hall after their groundbreaking performance at the infamous British music festival.
Follow Sam instagram.com/samsmith facebook.com/samsmithworld store.samsmithworld.com tiktok.com/@samsmith
dylan gibson
Few people embody the phrase “multi-talented” quite like Dylan Gibson.
Living in Bangor, Dylan has become a familiar face across Northern Ireland’s LGBTQIA+ community through his work as a DJ, radio presenter, entertainer, and Head of Entertainment, Digital Marketing and Social Media for Belfast’s iconic venues Kremlin Belfast and Union Street Bar Belfast.
This year has already been a remarkable one, with Dylan picking up the GNI Award for Entertainer of the Year 2025, representing Northern Ireland at the National Powerlifting Championships where he achieved an incredible combined lift total of 705kg, and recently signing with Atmosphere Agency as he continues to grow his career across entertainment, broadcasting and live events.
Whether he is behind the decks, on the radio, creating content, producing events, or pushing his limits in the gym, Dylan continues to inspire through hard work, determination and a genuine passion for everything he does.
We caught up with Dylan to discuss his journey so far, his recent successes and what keeps him motivated.
For readers who know you from one area of your life but perhaps not the others, how would you describe Dylan Gibson in your own words? I would describe myself as someone who genuinely loves making people smile.
Whether that’s through DJing, radio, creating events or simply helping people have a great time, I’ve always been drawn to bringing people together. Most people know me through one part of my life, whether that’s entertainment, radio, powerlifting or marketing, but the reality is that all of those things are just different parts of who I am.
At my core, I’m just Dylan. A DJ, a broadcaster, a powerlifter, a dog dad and someone who loves making memories with people.
You grew up in Bangor. How have your roots shaped the person you’ve become both professionally and personally? Bangor will always be home.
Growing up there taught me a lot about community, resilience and hard work.
Like many LGBTQIA+ people, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out where I fit in. I was outed before I was ready, which wasn’t something I ever planned for, and at the time it felt like part of my story had been taken out of my hands.
Looking back now, it taught me a lot about being comfortable in my own skin and not letting other people define who I am.
One of the biggest influences in my life was my stepdad Martin. He taught me the value of hard work, loyalty and showing up for people.
A lot of the values I carry today come directly from him.
You’re known across Belfast’s LGBTQIA+ scene as a DJ, entertainer and promoter. What first sparked your love of music and performing? When I look back at where it all started, I always come back to Martin.
I still remember being on a family trip to Portrush. We were driving along listening to Pete Snodden on the radio when Martin turned around and said, “Here Dylan, you could do that.”
I remember looking at him and saying, “Really?” Without missing a beat he replied, “Yeah, then I could
actually turn you off.”
That was Martin all over. Always supportive but never missing an opportunity for a joke.
He also bought me my first set of DJ decks.
Looking back now, it’s incredible to think how much came from those moments. Those decks sparked a passion for music and entertainment, and that conversation planted the radio dream in my head. Without even realising it, Martin changed the direction of my life.
Winning GNI’s Entertainer of the Year 2025 was a huge achievement. What did that recognition mean to you?
It meant more than I can probably put into words. People see the award, but they don’t always see the years of work behind it. The late nights, the setbacks, the self-doubt and the moments where you question whether you’re good enough.
To receive that recognition from my own community was incredibly special.
For somebody who spent years trying to prove himself, it felt like validation that all the hard work had been worth it.
Looking back at the night you received the award, was there a particular moment when it really sank in?
Hearing my name called was surreal.
But I think it really hit me afterwards when I started reading messages from people.
Friends, colleagues, customers and people I’d never even met personally were reaching out to say they were proud of me.
That was probably the moment it sank in because it felt like people had been following the journey for years and were celebrating it with me.
As Head of Entertainment, Digital Marketing and Social Media for Kremlin and Union Street, what do you enjoy most about that role? The people.
For a lot of people, Kremlin is just a venue. For me, it was somewhere that helped shape who I am. It’s where I had my first gay kiss. It’s where I found confidence and community at a time when I needed both.
If you’d told me years ago that I’d one day help shape the entertainment and customer experience of that venue, I wouldn’t have believed you. Richard and Brian took a chance on me and gave me an opportunity I’ll always be grateful for.
When I first got the role, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t scary. Suddenly I was responsible for entertainers and drag artists I’d spent years admiring from the audience.
Some of the people I now work alongside helped shape my experience growing up. To now work with them, support them and help bring their ideas to life is something I genuinely love.
The biggest compliment I can receive is when somebody says I’ve helped them develop because that’s exactly what Richard and Brian did for me.
Social media changes constantly. How do you stay ahead of trends while keeping content authentic and engaging?
I’m constantly looking at trends, creators and what audiences are responding to.
But one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that authenticity matters more than trends.
There was a time when I cared far too much about social media numbers. I convinced myself that followers somehow determined your value or success.
Looking back now, I realise they don’t.
The best content is usually the most genuine content because people connect with real people and real stories.
You’ve built a reputation for creating memorable nights out and connecting with people through entertainment. What do you think makes a great event?
For me, a great event is about how people feel when they leave.
The music matters. The production matters. The entertainment matters.
But what people remember is how an event made them feel.
If someone leaves with a smile, a story to tell or a memory they’ll talk about next week, then you’ve done your job.
Away from the nightlife scene, you’re also a dedicated powerlifter. How did you first discover the sport?
The gym originally became an escape for me. Like a lot of people, I started training to improve my physical health, but very quickly I realised it was helping my mental health too.
Powerlifting appealed to me because there are no shortcuts.
The platform doesn’t care about excuses. It rewards consistency, discipline and hard work.
At a time when I needed structure and focus, powerlifting gave me exactly that.
Competing at the National Championships and achieving a 705kg total is an incredible feat. What did that achievement mean to you personally?
That number represents much more than weight. It represents years of showing up, even when I didn’t feel like it.
Winning my last two competitions still feels surreal because I never saw myself as the sporty kid growing up. I was never the one getting picked first.
Now I’m standing on podiums and chasing records. Powerlifting has taught me that the stories we tell ourselves aren’t always true.
Just because you don’t think you’re capable of something doesn’t mean you aren’t.
Powerlifting requires immense discipline and consistency. How do you balance training at such a high level alongside a demanding career? Organisation is everything.
My weeks are busy between entertainment, marketing, events, radio and training.
One thing that’s helped recently is receiving an ADHD diagnosis. It answered a lot of questions I’d had about myself for years and helped me understand how my brain works.
I’ve realised that when I’m passionate about something, I throw myself into it completely.
Not every day is perfect, but I’ve learned that motivation comes and goes. Discipline is what keeps you moving forward.
What was going through your mind when you completed that final lift and realised what you had achieved?
People always ask what goes through your mind before a big deadlift.
Honestly, I usually think about my mum.
I know she’s somewhere in the crowd watching and worrying every time I walk up to a big lift.
Oddly enough, that motivates me.
Part of me wants to show her that I’ve got this. When it comes to the lift itself, I have a little trick. No matter what weight is on the bar, in my head there’s only ever 250kg on it.
Whether it’s 250kg, 300kg or more, I treat it exactly the same.
Standing there afterwards knowing I’d achieved a 705kg total and won another competition was a moment I’ll never forget.
Do you see any similarities between performing as a DJ and competing on a powerlifting platform?
Absolutely.
People only see the performance.
They don’t see the preparation.
Whether it’s months of training for a competition or hours preparing for an event, eventually there comes a moment where all eyes are on you and you have to trust the work you’ve put in.
That feeling is exactly the same.
Mental resilience is important in both entertainment and sport. What lessons has powerlifting taught you that you’ve been able to apply to other areas of your life?
One of the biggest lessons powerlifting has taught me is confidence in my own ability.
Both powerlifting and entertainment can be tough industries. There will always be someone stronger than you, someone with more followers than you or someone getting opportunities that you’re not.
Earlier in my career, those things would have affected me a lot more.
I spent years looking for validation from other people.
Now I understand that when somebody books me, they’re booking me because of what I bring to a room. They’re booking me because of my energy, my experience and my ability to connect with a crowd.
Whether it’s a room of fifty people or five thousand people, I back myself to create an atmosphere and give people a great experience.
That confidence didn’t happen overnight. It took me a long time to realise that I was actually good at what I do.
The people who book me are booking me because they believe in what I bring, and I’ve finally started believing it too.
Looking ahead, what goals remain on your horizon?
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t still have ambitions in radio.
I’d love to find myself back in a full-time radio role one day because broadcasting is something I’ve always loved.
That said, life has taught me that not everything happens when you think it should.
The path I’m on at the minute is teaching me things I never would have learned otherwise.
Through my role with Kremlin and Union Street, I’ve developed skills in entertainment management, marketing, content creation, event planning and leadership that I simply didn’t have this time last year.
I’ve also recently signed with Atmosphere Agency, which is another exciting step forward. It’s great to have people around me who believe in what I do
and are helping open doors to new opportunities. I’m excited to see where that partnership takes me and what we can build together over the next few years.
Radio in Northern Ireland can be a stressful industry to be part of and, right now, I’m genuinely happy with where I am. I’m surrounded by great people, I’m continuing to learn and I’m growing both professionally and personally.
On the powerlifting side, there is still a huge goal I’m chasing.
I’d love to break the Northern Ireland deadlift record.
As an openly gay man competing in strength sports, I hope that if I achieve that goal it helps challenge stereotypes and shows younger LGBTQIA+ people that they belong wherever their ambitions take them.
For most of my life I thought I needed to prove something.
These days I’m much more interested in enjoying the journey, continuing to learn, creating opportunities for others and seeing where life takes me next.
What makes Dylan Gibson happy?
People will probably expect me to say DJing, radio, awards or powerlifting.
Honestly, the things that make me happiest are much simpler than that.
Spending time with my best friend Emma is right up there. Emma is one of those rare people who strips everything back and reminds me that I’m just Dylan. She doesn’t care about the radio shows, the awards, the competitions or the job titles.
She sees me for who I am, not what I’ve achieved. I think everyone needs someone like that.
The same goes for spending time with my niece and nephew, my mum and my brothers.
They’ve seen every version of me. The good days, the bad days and everything in between.
And then there are Bryan and Colin.
Those two have probably helped my mental health more than they’ll ever know.
No matter what’s happening in my life, they’re there waiting for me at the end of the day. For somebody whose life can be quite busy and chaotic, those moments are probably when I’m happiest.
Just being Dylan.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank? I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible people in my corner throughout my life.
My mum, who has supported me through every stage of life.
My stepdad Martin, who bought me my first set of DJ decks and planted the radio dream in my head. Richard and Brian, who took a chance on me and gave me an opportunity in a venue that means so much to me.
My coach Marty Cummings, who has pushed me to achieve things in powerlifting I never thought possible.
Emma, who constantly reminds me to be myself. I’d also like to thank the DJs, entertainers and drag artists across Kremlin and Union Street. When I first stepped into the role, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t daunting.
Ten months later, I hope I’ve shown that I’m there to work with people, not over them. Some of the entertainers I now work alongside are people I admired growing up, and it’s been a privilege to help bring their ideas to life and continue building something special together.
The success we’ve had hasn’t been down to one person. It’s been a team effort.
People often see the person standing on stage, holding a trophy or celebrating a personal best.
What they don’t always see are the people standing behind them.
For most of my life, other people believed in me before I believed in myself.
The last few years have been about finally catching up to what they saw all along.
Thanks for the opportunity to share my journey with you.
From entertaining crowds on Belfast dancefloors to lifting extraordinary weights on the national stage, Dylan Gibson has proven that passion, commitment and hard work can open doors across many different worlds.
His success in entertainment, marketing and powerlifting has made him a respected figure within Northern Ireland’s LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. With a GNI Award already under his belt, national success in powerlifting and exciting new opportunities on the horizon, Dylan’s story is one of ambition, resilience and authenticity.
Whatever comes next, one thing seems certain: this is only the beginning.
Follow Dylan on Instagram: @dylangibsondj
Interview with Daniel May
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Farewell to a Northern Ireland Drag Favourite: Sandy Hoe Signs Off (For Now)
For seven years, Sandy Hoe has been a familiar face on Northern Ireland’s drag scene. Known for her quick wit, hilarious social media content, unmistakable Northern Irish charm, and self-proclaimed title as the “Protestant Princess,” Sandy has built a loyal following both online and on stage. From memorable performances across Belfast’s LGBTQIA+ venues to becoming a beloved figure within the local queer community, Sandy’s journey has been one filled with laughter, friendship, and authenticity. Now, after announcing that she is stepping away from drag for the foreseeable future, GNI MAG sits down with Sandy to reflect on her remarkable seven year journey, the reasons behind her decision, and what might come next.
Let’s start at the beginning. Seven years ago, what inspired you to create Sandy Hoe, and did you ever imagine the character would become such a recognised part of Northern Ireland’s drag scene?
I was that wee kid who always loved dressing up. I remember sneaking downstairs early mornings to try on my nanny’s heels and an umbrella to be Mary Poppins. So I was always looking for a way to express that side of me. So, it all started in 2019. I saw an opportunity, to take part in a lip-sync battle for a charity event. I joined as Katy Perry. I wore a blue wig, candy boobs (which I made from scratch) and a pair of sparkly kitten heels - this led to a love of dressing up and performing. I invented ‘Sit-on-men Swirl’ (pronounced Cinnamon Swirl) which was my first drag name - this quickly became Sandy Hoe from Sandy Row. I got my first gig in the Maverick and
the rest was history. I’m very glad and grateful I was able to get many gigs after that.
In your farewell announcement, you said “the light has sadly gone out for me as Sandy Hoe.” Was there a particular moment when you realised your relationship with drag had changed?
The light went out slowly, as I found myself getting less and less excited about shows. There was however a particular moment in which I thought “this is it.” There was one morning I woke, and I just knew. I think the notion had come to me one night in a dream, because when I woke up the next morning I had already decided.
You mentioned embracing change and listening to your gut as part of your New Year’s resolutions. How difficult was it to finally make the decision to
step away?
It actually wasn’t that difficult, once I had made the decision. I felt happy, satisfied and free to do something else. I laid her to rest via a ‘funeral’ and it honestly felt like closure - the end of a very beautiful era which I don’t regret, and don’t regret ending.
Sandy Hoe became known for blending drag performance with comedy and social media content. Looking back, what moments or achievements make you the proudest?
I look back and am really proud of the videos I made during the Covid lockdowns. They were so silly! … but there was one, in which I read a poem called ‘A Brighter Belfast.’ That was written to reassure people that we would get through it. I wrote the poem myself (as this was the days before AI) and I’m still really proud of it. I think it gave people hope and worked as a reminder of what we
had to look forward to, after the pandemic.
One of the most touching parts of your statement was your appreciation for the queer community you found through drag. How has that community shaped you both personally and professionally?
The friends I made through drag, is honestly the thing I’m most grateful for. I was never someone who had queer friends. If I was out on the scene it was always with my straight girlies. But now, I have queer friends, who are like me, who understand me, and I love it. I absolutely love my girlies, and now I absolutely love my gays, theys, queens, kings and everyone else. I can now go to these spaces and know, and mingle, and join these people … friends I met because of Sandy and I thank her again for introducing me. It shaped me to feel part of something that, before, I didn’t really feel a part of.
You spoke about wanting to explore stand up comedy, acting, and creating content outside of drag. What excites you most about this next chapter, and what can people expect from you moving forward?
I’ve always wanted to entertain! I like to share stories, I like to tell jokes and I love to make people laugh. I found a very fun and fabulous way of doing this through drag, but found myself feeling stuck-in, and unbothered about my character. I was doing the same numbers over and over and was using the same gimmicks. I felt like I was getting writers block in drag. I was worried people was getting bored (because I was getting bored) and that’s one word I never want associated with me “boring!” S
So I’m excited to branch out into new mediums, such as TikTok and stand up and theatre - I want to feel excited and inspired about something else as Dylan …
that maybe one day I can bring back to Sandy Hoe.
The Belfast drag scene has evolved significantly over the past seven years. What changes have you witnessed, and how do
you feel about where the scene is today?
The scene today is thriving! Belfast is such a small city but with such a massive drag community. It’s so diverse which I love, no two drag artists are the same, and all are amazing! I think the newer drag performers of Belfast when I first started felt pressure to be very polished (I know I did) because Drag Race USA was at it’s peak. Though as the years have went on, I think more and more are giving into messy, camp, fun drag. While still looking gorgeous. I think the introduction of Drag Race UK helped move things in this direction, because the queens on there can take the p*ss out of themselves better. Which is always fun to watch.
Every drag performer has a few unforgettable stories. Is there a particular performance, gig, or moment as Sandy Hoe that you’ll cherish forever?
Oh my gosh! I’ve loads and loads of things I’ll never forget. I think my highlights were performing on the main stage at Pride! I performed ‘Reach for the Stars’ - but the Mr Tumble’s version, of course. I also got to showcase Sandy Hoe on itv2’s ‘Bad Chefs.’ I’ll never forget the fear of using a deep fat fryer while wearing a synthetic wig (insert fire emoji here.) I LOVED supporting Jimbo with Trudy Scrumptious and Pure Bent too. The worst but most hilarious gig I probably ever did, was when I hosted Bingo at ‘Pug Uglies’ on Monday nights. There were weeks, there was literally two people in the audience, to who I had to perform and play bingo with. The way I dealt with it was by getting extremely drunk and so bingo would go a little something like this “2 and 5 … 64! … I mean, 52? No 25. I think?”
You’ve performed in venues such as The Maverick, Union Street Bar, Libertine, and The Beehive Complex. What have those spaces meant to you throughout your drag journey?
Those spaces were everything, Sandy Hoe wouldn’t have existed for so long without them. They all, always fully supported and embraced my drag and I’m thankful for all the opportunities and experiences they gave me. They were all a GEG. I will be back hooting and hollering for
all their performers … but from the crowd.
I’ll be back on these stages too because if there’s karaoke on, I’m up! Shouting my heart out! I wouldn’t call what I do “singing!”
Finally, for the fans who have supported Sandy Hoe from day one, and who are hoping this is more of a “see you later” than a goodbye, what message would you like to leave them with?
Cindy Beale was announced dead in Eastenders for twenty five years and then came back to life, so I never say never. Thank you to all who came to my shows, all who watched and enjoyed, all who cheered me on and who followed me on instagram lol. I love you!
Bye. For nai.
Whether this is the end of Sandy Hoe or simply the beginning of a new chapter remains to be
seen. What is certain, however, is the impact Sandy has had on Northern Ireland’s LGBTQIA+ community. Through laughter, performances, social media videos, and countless nights entertaining audiences across the country, Sandy created more than a drag persona; she created connections, friendships, and memories that will last long after the wigs have been packed away. As she steps into her next era, one thing is clear: the spirit, humour, and creativity that made Sandy Hoe such a beloved figure will continue to shine, whatever form it takes. We wish her every success in the adventures ahead and, as Sandy herself says, “Until next time… sweet dreams, and may all your dreams come true.”
Interview with Daniel May Follow Sandy on insta thatssosandyhoe
Raising a Glass to Pride in Belfast
Few people know Belfast whisky quite like McConnell’s ambassador and tour guide, Sam Donnelly. Born and raised in Belfast, Sam has been part of the city’s LGBTQ+ community for more than 30 years and brings that lived experience, alongside her infectious energy and enthusiasm, into her work every day. A fan favourite at McConnell’s Distillery, she has earned hundreds of five-star reviews from visitors who are drawn to her warm, engaging style and genuine passion for sharing Belfast’s stories.
Through her daily tours, Sam has inspired countless guests with her unique ability to connect history, heritage and people. It was this experience — and the joy of sharing stories that matter — that inspired her to create her own Pride-focused walking tour, exploring Belfast’s LGBTQ+ history through storytelling, local knowledge and personal insight.
This Pride season, McConnell’s is delighted to collaborate with Sam as she brings a special version of that tour to McConnell’s Distillery, joined by guest guide Trudy Scrumptious. The exclusive Pride event promises to be like no other, combining a distillery tour, cocktail masterclass and dazzling drag cabaret into a colourful celebration of Belfast and its flourishing whisky scene.
As a Belfast born brand, McConnell’s Irish Whisky is proud to be part of the city it calls home; a city that is constantly evolving thanks to the people whose diversity and creativity make it such a vibrant place to live and visit. Reflecting that spirit, McConnell’s stands alongside the LGBTQ+ community and champions a Belfast where everyone feels welcome.
Located in the A-Wing of the Crumlin Road Goal, McConnell’s Distillery has played a role in Belfast’s ongoing transformation, reimagining a former Victorian prison into a state-of-the-art distillery and visitor attraction. Today, through a range of guided tours and whisky experiences - from cocktail masterclasses to Afternoon Tea - the brand is inviting new faces to enjoy the world of Belfast whisky and help put our city back on the world Whisky Map.
For McConnell’s, Pride is all year round. The brand is excited to continue its work with local LGBTQ+ voices and organisations to ensure McConnell’s Distillery remains an inclusive space that reflects the spirit of modern Belfast.
To mark Pride Month, McConnell’s Distillery will also be offering 20% off guided tours with code BELFASTPRIDE, inviting even more people to experience the stories, heritage and hospitality at the heart of Belfast whisky.
Join the thousands of visitors who have already experienced McConnell’s Distillery and discover why so many leave with a five-star review. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast, a proud ally or simply looking for a unique Belfast experience, don’t miss the chance to explore Belfast’s rich history, culture, as well as award-winning whisky - through the eyes of its most passionate storytellers.
To learn more and book the McConnell’s Pride Tour, visit mcconnellsirishwhisky.com
Discover
all that Belfast’s Maritime Mile has to offer!
From rich maritime heritage and world-class attractions to great food, events and places to explore, the Maritime Mile brings together the very best of the city’s waterfront. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re back to explore more, we can’t wait to welcome you.
Embark on your journey through Belfast’s seafaring history, beginning at Clarendon Docks and Sailortown.
Explore St Joseph’s Church, the Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ Offices and Sinclair Seamen’s Church, discovering public art along the way, before taking a moment to stop and relax in City Quays Gardens.
Stroll along the city’s vibrant waterfront, taking in sights such as the iconic Big Fish and the Lagan Weir Footbridge. As you cross the bridge, stop for a coffee at the Queens
QuayKiosk before heading round to Titanic Quarter, you’ll pass major attractions including the SSE Arena and Odyssey Place, SoundYard, SS Nomadic, Titanic Belfast, the Great Light, HMS Caroline and Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock.
Discover more at maritime-mile.com
@Maritime Mile
John
O’Flaherty-Lynch
From the dramatic coastlines of Donegal to the rolling peaks of the Mourne Mountains, artist John O’Flaherty-Lynch transforms familiar Irish landscapes into powerful emotional experiences. A Derry native now based in Belfast, John balances his role as Head of Art at an Integrated College with a flourishing artistic career that has seen his work exhibited and collected across Ireland. Through bold colour, expressive mark making, and an intuitive connection to place, his abstract landscapes invite viewers to reflect on their own memories and emotional connections to the natural world.
As his work continues to gain recognition in galleries and exhibition spaces throughout Belfast and beyond, GNI MAG sat down with John to learn more about the inspiration behind his paintings, his creative process, and the journey that brought him to where he is today.
For readers who may be discovering your work for the first time, tell us a little about yourself and your artistic journey. I grew up in Derry with my four brothers and two sisters. We are all very close and they are extremely supportive of me, as are my parents. As a child I was always drawing, painting, or creating my own version of X-Wings and the Millenium Falcon from Star Wars through that universal medium, Lego.
Art has always been my passion and first love, but football is never far from my thoughts. I graduated with a BA Hons in Art and Design from Ulster University. I then went on to play football in the Irish League for Limavady United and Tobermore in my twenties while pursuing my career as an art teacher.
If I’m not painting, I’m glued to the Premiership watching my beloved Liverpool. This season has been tough, but Iraola will take us back to the top where we belong!
I’m happily married (3.5 years and counting) to my handsome man, Niall. Niall continues to be my biggest fan, and I hold him responsible for giving me the confidence and encouragement to paint and put myself out there. He’s the absolute best and I am very lucky. Everyone should have a Niall in their life.
You have spent more than 20 years working in education. How has being a teacher influenced your development as an artist?
I have always wanted to be an art teacher: it is the best job. At school my two art teachers were my heroes, I’m a teacher today because of them and how they inspired me.
As a teacher I am constantly nurturing creativity, building positive connections with students, and fostering a joyful environment where mistakes are celebrated as part of the learning process.
Art and Design is incredibly important for students’ mental health. Following the pandemic in 2020 providing students as many opportunities to be creative in the form of painting, printing, and ceramics has served as a vital outlet to reduce anxiety, process emotions, and build resilience. As a working artist I experience the frustration of creative blocks, failed experiments, and messy
processes. This firsthand experience makes me more sensitive and patient when my students face similar hurdles. When I was in school the focus was on realism and bowls of fruit that are really well drawn and shaded correctly. Nowadays it’s about risk taking and creating work which people find curious and ask the question “how did he create that”? My current A level class are much further ahead of me when I was their age. They understand mark making and take more creative risks, something that I’m still developing in my own practice.
Your paintings are inspired by landscapes, yet they are highly abstract. What draws you to capturing the feeling of a place rather than its exact appearance?
I paint in a contemporary abstract style because that’s what I like to view when I attend exhibitions. I can appreciate the journey that every artist goes through however; it’s the stylistic techniques of artists like Van Gogh, Matisse, and Hockney that especially interest me. They completely revolutionised the use of colour and form, moving art away from realism into a realm of pure imagination. Van Gogh used colour and thick brushstrokes to express psychological intensity. Matisse advanced these ideas into decorative abstractions. Hockey breaks down landscapes into geometric colourful planes. When I look out at a landscape, I have the creative license to interpret the landscape in my expressionist style, not copy it. I have the autonomy to leave trees out or simply suggest them with a single broad brushstroke.
Places such as Donegal, the Mourne Mountains, and Ormeau Park feature strongly in your work. What is it about these locations that continues to inspire you?
As a child we spent every summer in Donegal. I have very fond memories of me and my brothers in Clonmany, Portsalon or Rathmullan as we got up each morning and went on adventures across the Donegal landscapes thinking we were Oisin and Tayto from the 1992 film Into the West. As an adult, I love nature and being in the garden. The natural world provides a dynamic playground of light, vibrant colours, and textures for me. Furthermore, landscape painting allows me to escape into nature after a busy week in work, something that I think we can all relate to. When I paint mountains, forests, or beaches, I don’t have to be accurate. Unlike portrait painting, landscapes are forgiving. You can freely alter, exaggerate, or invent elements, patterns, and colours
to heighten the emotional impact for the viewer. Donegal and Gweedore are close to my heart: that is where we got married in 2022. It was a wonderful day. I often go back to Mt. Errigal as a source of inspiration.
Memory and emotion play a significant role in your paintings. Can you describe how a memory becomes a finished artwork?
I am usually working between multiple canvases at once, moving between each canvas as I try to enhance or resolve it. If I’m making progress, I have found that I can spend four or five hours locked into the creative process. Alternatively, if it isn’t working, I’ll flip it over so I can’t see it. I borrowed this technique from watching a documentary about the Irish abstract artist, Sean Scully.
Primary reference photos are vital for me; I will not paint a landscape that I have not physically seen or encountered myself. A primary photo is not meant to be copied blindly. Instead, it acts as a personal memory prompt for me. Looking at a photo taken by your own hand triggers sensory memories—the cold air, the texture of the surface, or the mood of that day. I then translate this directly into the paint layers using high contrast colours that sometimes clash.
Your use of colour is particularly striking. How do you decide on the palette for a piece, and what role does colour play in expressing emotion?
I begin by underpainting my canvas using a light pink acrylic wash. This adds a luminous warmth to my work, it also eliminates the intimidating white canvas. My colour palette is never chosen to simply replicate reality; instead, it is chosen to capture the texture and energy of a specific landscape. Driven by a personal philosophy of “I like colour, I’m not afraid of colour,” my selection process relies heavily on my mood, memory, and spontaneous choices made at the easel. I skip preliminary sketches in favour of working wet-on-wet or creating abstract, process-driven art. This approach prioritizes spontaneity, raw expression, and organic evolution. A blinding flash of cold winter sun or the heavy, deep blue shadow of an oncoming mountain storm is heightened into vivid, high-saturation paint choices. I work primarily with acrylics; this allows me to layer colours rapidly and make intuitive adjustments on the fly. I really enjoy using clashing and contrasting tones side-by-side to mirror the environment.
Belfast has a thriving arts scene. How has living and working in the city shaped your creative outlook? Yes, the art scene is thriving creatively,
but it is battling unprecedented financial pressures. Stormont must invest more in the Arts. We need more funding for artists to make a living instead of merely existing as an artist.
I have lots of talented friends who are painters and illustrators and we all support and encourage each other. We attend each other’s exhibitions and share posts across social media to raise awareness and hopefully boost sales. I really enjoy Late Night Art Belfast on the first Thursday of each month or ‘Hit the north’ street art festival. Two brilliant events that showcaseemerging and more established artists. I recently attended the Ulster University graduate art exhibition, the work on display was outstanding! Both this year and in previous years many of my ex-students have exhibited and this is also a huge source of pride for me.
As both an educator and practising artist, what advice would you give to young people who are considering a career in the arts?
If it’s your passion, do it! Your talent alone does not sustain a lifelong creative career; you must work at it each day to improve. You must pair your creative talent with practical adaptability and a thick skin. Ignore the inner saboteur, perfection doesn’t exist. Get used to hearing “No.” View rejection as a standard statistical metric of the industry, not a definitive judgment on the quality of your work. Find yourself a mentor, someone who focuses entirely on your specific personal growth, artistic voice, and long-term career strategy.
Your work is now being exhibited and sold in multiple locations across Belfast and beyond. How does it feel to see audiences connecting with your paintings in this way?
I’m very grateful for the ongoing support and guidance from The Hallows Gallery, Ormeau Road, Gallery one, Lisburn Road and Painted Earth in Newcastle Co. Down. They are all established galleries exhibiting the work of some of the finest painters in all of Ireland. I recently partnered up with Henry Gilmore Fine Art in Holywood, my work is now hanging beside the likes of highly celebrated artists Colin Davidson and Brian Ballard.
I started this journey 4 years ago and I never envisaged this; it’s beyond my expectations and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I am also very excited about what happens next. People who have seen my work have shared with me that it triggers a deeply buried personal memory that they see their own unexpressed thoughts and memories in my work and that’s why they have a connection. Over the years I have been honoured to be commissioned
to complete personal work for many patrons of the arts both in Ireland and abroad. The focus of these has been varied: places, people, and emotions have featured heavily.
What can collectors and admirers of your work look forward to next? Are there any upcoming exhibitions, projects, or creative ambitions you’d like to share?
The future looks promising for me. I will continue producing work for the galleries and continue listening to the galleries and taking their advice whilst maintaining my own artistic style and integrity. In February, I launched my website www. jofl-artist.com. This takes up a lot of time because I’m not good with the admin side of being an artist. It means people can contact me about commissions or view my portfolio of work. I’m kept busy with commissions.
In March of this year, I had a meeting with a gallery in Soho, New York which was encouraging. I would love to be represented by a gallery in Dublin as this is seen by many as the cultural hub of Ireland. I love the city. I am currently in discussion with a hotel to provide artwork to support their refurbishment: my biggest project to date.
John O’Flaherty-Lynch’s work reminds us that landscapes are far more than physical places. They are repositories of memory, emotion, and personal experience. Through his distinctive abstract style, he invites viewers to pause, reflect, and discover their own stories within the layers of colour and movement. As his reputation continues to grow across Ireland, one thing is clear: John’s ability to transform the familiar into something deeply felt is resonating with audiences everywhere.
Interview with Daniel May
jofl-artist.com | Instagram JoFL_Artist
Plan your Pride look and own it
Pride is the one day where subtle is not the goal. Start early and plan a look that feels like you amplified it. Whether that is full rainbow glam, mesh and glitter, or something symbolic and simple, it is about expression not perfection. Lay it out the night before so you are not rushing. Comfort matters too because you will be on your feet, dancing, walking and celebrating all day.
Sort your essentials bag
Think of your Pride bag like your survival kit for joy. Water, snacks, sunscreen, portable charger, lip balm, plasters, and maybe a little glitter for touch ups. A small flag or fan is also a must. Keep it light but prepared because Pride days can be long and spontaneous. The more sorted you are, the more you can stay present in every moment without stress pulling you out of it.
Map out key events but stay flexible
Most Pride events have parades, stages, performances and after parties happening across the day. It helps to pick one or two must see moments in advance so you do not miss out. That said, leave space for the unexpected. The best Pride memories often come from stumbling into a crowd, hearing music in the distance or following a spontaneous drag performance down a side street.
Practice your self care moments
Pride is joyful but intense, so build in little resets. Step away from the crowd for a drink, find shade, sit for ten minutes and breathe. Check in with yourself throughout the day. It is easy to get swept up, but pacing yourself means you last longer and enjoy more. Self care at Pride is not taking away from the fun, it is what keeps the fun going.
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Support queer spaces and performers
Pride is powered by queer artists, performers, DJs and community spaces. Show up for them. Tip performers where possible, support merch stalls, and give energy back to the stage. These moments are not just entertainment, they are culture, history and visibility. The louder the support, the stronger the space feels for everyone watching, especially those experiencing Pride for the first time.
Wear your safety and boundaries with pride too
Pride should feel safe and affirming. Set simple boundaries with your group or yourself, like meeting points, staying aware of your surroundings and checking in with friends. If something does not feel right, move on or step away. Pride is about freedom, but also about care. Looking out for each other is part of the celebration, not a distraction from it.
Decide your crew or go solo
Pride hits differently depending on who you go with. A big group brings energy, laughter and chaos in the best way. Going solo brings freedom to move at your own pace and follow whatever stage or street pulls you in. There is no right way. Agree a meeting point if you are in a group, or trust yourself if you are flying solo and let the day guide you.
Get your social ready but do not live through it
Yes, take the photos, capture the memories, film the chaos and colour. But do not experience the whole day through a screen. Snap a few moments, then put the phone away and actually be in it. The best Pride content is usually the moments you did not plan. A balance of both means you go home with memories and not just a camera roll.
End the day with something soft
After the noise, lights and crowds, give yourself a gentle landing. That might be food with friends, a quiet walk home, or just collapsing on the sofa still glittery and happy. Pride can be emotional in ways you do not expect. Ending the day softly lets it settle into something meaningful rather than just a blur of colour and sound.
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LIVE MUSIC AND DJS
FROM 12PM | SATURDAY 25TH
62 High Street Belfast
The results are in...
PrEP
NEED TO KNOW...
• HIV PrEP is very effective, taken by people who are HIV negative before sexual contact to prevent getting HIV.
• It is free and easy to access in any GUM clinic in Northern Ireland
• People living with HIV who are on medication with an undetectable viral load can’t pass HIV on, Undetectable = Untransmittible (U=U)
• If you haven’t taken PrEP and have condomless sex or condom failure, access PEP as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours in any A&E or GUM clinic.
A huge thank you to everyone who responded to the Northern Ireland PrEP survey, we really appreciate your feedback. For those who didn’t respond or are unsure PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, medication that is taken before any sexual contact to prevent HIV. HIV is an infection passed on through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, anal mucus and breast milk, if the person with HIV has a detectable viral load. If the person living with HIV is on treatment and has an undetectable viral load they cannot pass on HIV, Undetectable = Untransmittible (U=U).
By taking PrEP, you can protect yourself from HIV. PrEP can be taken daily, TTSS, these letters represent the minimum days of the week that PrEP should be taken to maintain an adequate level of protection (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) or event based (EBD) for those who have sexual partners less frequently.
Over 8 months from July 2025 to March 2026, we asked you a bit about your sexual behaviour, PrEP knowledge and PrEP use; this is what you told us.
There were two-hundred and forty five anonymous responses, with 94% male, 97% identified as Gay or Bisexual. All were adults, mostly in the 25 to 34 or 35 to 44 year age ranges.
Overall, 67% reported their last HIV test was within the last 6 months, which is good news because we would recommend testing every 3-12 months depending on frequency of sexual contact.
Only 8% said that their last HIV test was in the previous 1 to 5 years and 4% last tested more than 5 years ago (please think about having a test). Testing is so much more accessible now; you can attend any GUM clinic, Gp, order a test online (www.sh24.org.uk), or pop into the Rainbow project.
Twenty-four percent also reported having a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) diagnosed in the past year.
Eighteen and a half percent reported Chemsex. Chemsex is the use of drugs to enhance or prolong sex, Crystal Methamphetamine (Tina), Mephedrone (M-Cat, Meow Meow) and GHB / GBL (G, Gina) are the more commonly used drugs. It comes with risks and can have long-lasting consequences.
Not everyone who has Chemsex will experience problems; PrEP will help reduce your risk of acquiring HIV infection while under the influence of drugs. If you want information on how to stay safe or need support, we can offer help (www. sexualhealthNI.org for GUM clinic access).
Forty-six percent reported group sex and 34% attended sex-on premises-venue / sauna / bathhouses. These venues would be associated with a higher risk of infection.
Twenty-nine percent of respondents have never used PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) and 5% didn’t know about PEP. Following condomless sex or a condom failure, if not on PrEP, there is a short period of time when HIV can be prevented by taking PEP if you are worried you may be at risk.
To work, PEP must be taken as soon as possible, but not after 72 hours (three days). It is available from any Emergency Department or GUM clinic.
Ten percent of respondents have accessed PEP because they didn’t take their PrEP before sexual contact. Seven percent reported condomless sex but took neither PEP nor PrEP. In this scenario, we would advise you to take two tablets as soon as possible after sex and get in touch with GUM for further advice.
Back to PrEP
Seventy-six percent of respondents had used PrEP before, with most accessing it from GUM clinics.
Of those currently using PrEP, 42% were daily dosing, 38% event-based dosing (EBD) or 2-1-1 and 11% other.
PrEP is very flexible and we know people switch between taking it every day and as needed. The most important thing is that people understand the rules of how to start, when to stop and what to do if tablets are missed.
To start, take 2 tablets, two hours later full protection from HIV is in place. If you are thinking of pausing or stopping, as long as your last sexual contact was more than 2 days ago, it is safe to stop.
If you are daily dosing and miss the tablets for two or more days, then there is not enough PrEP in your system to protect you from HIV, so we would advise taking 2 tablets and then 2 hours later, protection is back.
Respondents taking EBD or on-demand PrEP used a number of factors to decide when to use PrEP.
PrEP is available in every GUM clinic in Northern Ireland, 57% of respondents found PrEP easy or very easy to access, which is great to hear. Most people will only need one appointment every 6 months. However, 12% reported it to be difficult or very difficult to get PrEP. If this was you, please try again as the criteria for PrEP has expanded to include anyone who asks for it. The clinics have been working to increase and improve access. The contact details for each aera can be found here Visiting a sexual health clinic (GUM clinic) - Sexual Health NI . New options for PrEP provision are being explored, so stay in touch with your local clinic to be included.
This study offered us insight into the use and knowledge of PrEP in Northern Ireland. We were delighted to find high reported PrEP use among respondents.
We found respondents are using a number of factors to decide how and when to use PrEP and maybe we need to explore these further when providing PrEP.
We want to further reduce misconceptions, to increase referrals and uptake of PrEP. We would like to highlight the need for PEP use when PrEP or condoms have not been used, and welcome you discussing this in clinic.
Health promotion
Thirty-seven percent of respondents had accessed the Public Health Agency website www.sexualhealthNI.info , but 25% were not aware of it. This is a useful site for clinic opening times and contact details, as well as updates on new health promotions.
Currently all clinics are providing DPEP (Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) or DoxyPEP for reduction in Syphilis and Chlamydia. DPEP is antibiotic tablets taken after sex to reduce the risk of contracting Syphilis and Chlamydia infection.
Take two tablets as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of sex, but no later than 72 hours. This helps protect the person using it but also helps ‘break the chain of infection’ between people. So taking this prevention amplifies the effect and helps protect the whole community.
There are also new vaccines for Mpox and gonorrhoea prevention. Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) vaccine is a safe and effective modified smallpox vaccine used to prevent Mpox or significantly reduce the severity of symptoms. It does not contain the Mpox virus and cannot cause the disease. The vaccine is generally recommended for individuals at risk of exposure. Cases in Europe, UK and Ireland continue to occur so we would recommend asking for this at your next clinic visit.
We would also encourage use of Hepatitis A and B and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines if you haven’t already had these.
Final words
We really appreciate those who took the time to complete the survey and provide valuable feedback. It is important to listen to people’s experiences of prevention intervention methods and clinic access. Continued strong community involvement and multiagency approach is vital for sharing information, improving services and reaching those who can benefit most from these treatments.
We are very thankful to GNI and Rainbow for the support in circulating and promoting the survey. We look forward to further targeted health promotion strategies in future. Working closely together benefits all and will work towards reaching the target of zero new HIV diagnosis by 2030.
Sexual Health Clinics
Our clinics, provide the following FREE services:
• Testing for all sexually transmitted infections
• Sexual health advice
• Emergency contraception
• Pregnancy testing
• Hepatitis A and B and HPV vaccinations for at risk individuals
• Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEPSE) following sexual risk
• Pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention
• Our Causeway Hospital Clinic also provides a Specialist HIV Service - offering rapid testing, ongoing care, counselling, peer support networks and treatment guidance from our friendly staff
Sexual Health Clinics
Causeway Hospital
BALLYMENA
Braid Valley Site
MAGHERAFELT
Mid Ulster Hospital
4 Newbridge Road
Causeway Hospital
BT52 1HS
4 Newbridge Road
Coleraine
BT52 1HS
Tel: 07384 820 826
Cushendall Road
Braid Valley Site
BT43 6HL
Cushendall Road
Ballymena
BT43 6HL
59 Hospital Road
Mid Ulster Hospital
BT45 5EX Magherafelt
59 Hospital Road
BT45 5EX
• E-mail: sexualhealth@northerntrust.hscni.net
Tom HULME
Author of Belfastmen: An Intimate History of Life Before Gay Liberation
For generations, the story of LGBTQ+ life in Northern Ireland has often been told through the lens of discrimination, secrecy, and struggle.
But what if there was another side to that history?
In his groundbreaking new book Belfastmen: An Intimate History of Life Before Gay Liberation, historian Tom Hulme uncovers a vibrant and often overlooked queer world that existed in Belfast long before the modern gay rights movement emerged.
Drawing on years of meticulous research, Hulme pieces together stories from criminal records, newspapers, census data, birth and death certificates, personal diaries, and archives across Ireland, Britain, and the United States. At the heart of the work are the remarkable David Strain diaries, which offer a rare and intimate glimpse into queer life in early twentieth century Belfast.
The result is a striking and often surprising portrait of a community that found connection, intimacy, and joy despite the constraints of its time. We spoke to Tom about the journey behind the book, the discoveries that changed his understanding of Belfast, and why reclaiming this hidden history matters now more than ever.
in Europe.” How did that moment sit with you at the time?
I won’t sugar the pill: it was difficult. I grew up in a small town and had experienced plenty of homophobia and bigotry, and the idea of going back to a city with the same sorts of problems filled me with dread. I had become comfortable living in a gay neighbourhood of London, and before that I had lived in Manchester and Chicago too, which also
activist – and he told me that writing a history of the gay scene in the early twentieth century would be difficult because of a lack of evidence. I knew that he might be right, but I still went into the Public Record Office to investigate anyway… and I was amazed by just how much I found!
Your research draws on a wide range of sources including criminal records, newspapers, census data, and diaries. Which source surprised you most in terms of what it revealed?
had large gay scenes. But I also remembered that the LGBT community is resilient, wherever it might be, and I soon found out that there were plenty of people in Belfast who refused to hide who they were.
What first brought you to Belfast in 2016, and how did your initial impressions of the city shape the direction of this research?
We are living through a job crisis in the academic humanities today, but it was pretty difficult back in 2016 too. I was living in London and working on a short-term contract, so when I saw a lecturing position advertised at Queen’s University Belfast, I knew I had to take a punt, even though I had never been to the city before. From the moment I stepped off the plane for the interview, I found it an intriguing place; familiar to someone who grew up in similar sized places in England but distinctly different too. I had a hunch that this complex past and present had also shaped the history of the gay scene in Northern Ireland. What I found when I got into the archives did confirm this hunch, but I was still surprised at just how unique Belfast’s experience had been!
You’ve spoken about searching online for “gay scene Belfast” and finding a BBC article asking whether Belfast was “the worst city to be gay
Before this project, you were working in the urban history of British and American cities. What made Belfast feel like the right place for your next book?
I have always believed that there is a deep connection between historians and the places they research, and that affinity becomes even more apparent when we live in the same site of study too. Being able to walk the same streets as gay men of generations ago – and to see echoes of their lives in the very fabric of the city, whether that be statues or the pubs in which they drank – helped me feel what life may have been like.
Many people believed a pre gay liberation queer history of Belfast could not be written due to a lack of evidence. What convinced you otherwise?
Studying the history of sexuality is often difficult because people in the past were rightfully afraid of recording their desires and relationships, especially if they fell outside of ‘the norm’. When I moved to Belfast, I contacted Jeff Dudgeon – the gay rights
Newspapers – and the obituary columns in particular! In a sense this was a mundane source; just brief acknowledgements of the passing of men who otherwise did not leave much trace in the public record. But I was able to use these memoriam notices to show how many gay men – and even those who had spent time in prison for the crime of having sex with other men – had remained absolutely central parts of their families and communities . Reading about the love that sisters or brothers and nieces or nephews had for their Belfastmen was genuinely touching.
The David Strain diaries are central to your work. Why are they so significant, and what do they reveal that other sources do not?
Diaries are one of the most valuable sources for queer history, because the detailed ones reveal how people actually felt about their sexuality when they were not being exposed to the legal system. But because sex between men was illegal, they are also tremendously rare, because they could be used as evidence against you if you were unfortunate enough to be arrested. Most of the surviving gay diaries we have were written by highly educated and rich men whose class background meant they were safer from the prying eye of the law, and especially those that mixed in political or literary scenes in the world’s major metropolises (think Chips Cannon or Quentin Crisp). David Strain’s diaries are unique and significant because he was very much not that type of man: he was a middling linen merchant in a city far away from the world’s premier gay scenes. Strain’s diaries are especially useful because he was fastidious about recording his life – he quotes conversations he had with friends, family, and other gay men almost as if he was writing a screenplay! Without his diaries, much of the colour of my book – the cruising, gay novels, and camp culture – would be impossible to reconstruct.
What was the process of working with such intimate personal material like for you, particularly when dealing with private lives across such a sensitive period?
An American soldier with Howard Aicken, a gay man who lived in Belfast (courtesy of his nephews, Basil and Simon Abbott).
Sometimes, it could be difficult and disturbing. Because the laws that were used to prosecute men who had sex with men were also used to prosecute child abuse or sexual assault, you never knew what a legal file was going to contain when you opened it in the record office. Thankfully, they just as often were about consensual encounters, but to then see the desperation or shame when men were caught by the police was heartbreaking too. These were upstanding members of society just trying to live their lives and not harming anyone. Even though it was sometimes more than 100 years ago, I couldn’t help but feel their pain, while also being thankful that most of us – but not all - no longer live in the same situation.
Your book challenges the assumption that queer life in Northern Ireland was always hidden, dangerous, or isolated. What evidence most strongly disrupted that narrative for you? The outrageous social cruising world revealed in David Strain’s diaries! He shows almost no concern about being arrested in the 1920s and 1930s – and, after all, it was only usually one or two men a year who fell foul of the law. Strain’s daily writings instead show that queer men were visible all over the city, and that their relationships with each other were even known to their friends, families, colleagues… and even church community! Yes, dangers still existed – whether the police or gay bashers – but there was a lot of fun and friendship to be had too! 9. You introduce the idea of Belfast as a “middling city” with its own specific queer geography and social rhythm. Can you explain what you mean by that? A lot of the existing research on gay history is about how the large and anonymous metropolis – like New York or London - provided the opportunities for men to casually meet, and to then never need to see each other again. But anyone who has lived in Belfast knows that in many ways it is more like a large town than a city. Spaces of anonymity – like public toilets – were important to some men, but being a “middling city” there was always a good chance that you would keep running into people that you would know! For many queer men this was a bonus rather than a problem, because it meant that you could gradually and carefully suss out whether someone might be interested in having sex or becoming a friend, without risking violence or exposure.
Were you surprised by the extent to which queer men could experience acceptance, friendship, or even family understanding in this period?
I was really surprised. Everything I had read about the more recent past – with public outings, police stings in cruising sites, religious conversion therapy, and the very public bigotry of the DUP – had primed me to expect overwhelming difficulties in the past too. While I don’t want to suggest that life was always easy for gay men, I was really struck by the ways that the public silence about “homosexuality” meant that many people had a
sort of “live and let live” approach. If men were not outraging public decency – which meant having sex with much younger men or adolescent boys in public – they were often left to their own devices. This is not the same sort of scenario as our idea of “pride” or being “out” today, but it did mean that many were able to live a “queer” life despite the dominance of religion and – officially, at least – the public disgust about same-sex desires.
How does your work change the way we should understand the impact of later developments like the Troubles or campaigns such as “Save Ulster from Sodomy”?
Ironically, life became more difficult for many gay men after the start of the gay rights movement, because it made them visible like never before. If the Troubles had not kicked off in the late 1960s, and if Ian Paisley’s DUP and Free Presbyterian Church had not grown in power, maybe Northern Irish society would have been more accepting of sexual and gendered differences. But in the difficult civil war context of the 1970s to 1990s, there was always a
possibility that homophobia would grow rather than recede. Even so, we must understand that bigotry – which includes transphobia – is always a *choice*! The pre-era that my book covers shows that different responses to the desires and relationships of gay Belfastmen were possible.
As a gay man living and working in Belfast, did this research shift your personal relationship with the city and its history?
Definitely. I think I have a deeper respect and
understanding of the difficulties that the LGBT community in Belfast has been through – both 100 years ago and more recently too. For me, understanding this history has been a way to better locate myself emotionally in Belfast’s present. I hope that comes through in my book; that in some ways Belfastmen is a love letter to my new home.
Belfastmen: An Intimate History of Life Before Gay Liberation is not only a major historical study, but also a re-framing of how queer life in Northern Ireland has been understood. By recovering voices and experiences long thought lost, Tom Hulme opens up a more complex and human story of Belfast’s past, one where queer lives were not only present, but lived with connection, dignity, and at times, joy.
Interview with Daniel May
About the Author
Tom Hulme is a historian and lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, specialising in urban history and everyday life. Originally focused on British and American cities, he moved to Belfast in 2016, where he began exploring the city’s overlooked queer past.
His research has established him as a leading authority on pre liberation queer life in Belfast, particularly through his work on the David Strain diaries. Belfastmen: An Intimate History of Life Before Gay Liberation is his first major book on the subject and has already been widely featured in national and international media.
About the Book
Belfastmen: An Intimate History of Life Before Gay Liberation traces the hidden history of queer men in Belfast from the late nineteenth century through to the 1950s.
Challenging the idea that LGBTQ+ life in Northern Ireland was always defined by silence and oppression, the book reveals a far more complex picture. It explores how queer men built relationships, communities, and lives that were often more visible and socially embedded than previously assumed.
Drawing on previously unused archival material, including the extraordinary David Strain diaries, the book reconstructs a world where queer life could exist “in plain sight,” shaped by the size and social structure of a “middling city” like Belfast. It offers a major rethinking of queer history in Ireland and beyond.
The book is available now online and in selected Waterstones stores across Northern Ireland, priced at £20.99.
Follow on Instagram tomhulme87
Walter Smith and Arthur Fitzsimons (The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, D2585/4/1).
FREDDIE FOX high society
Final casting is announced today for “this year’s guaranteed gem” (Metro), a dazzling new production of “Cole Porter’s musical masterpiece” (Heart FM) HIGH SOCIETY, revealing an exciting line-up of stars from both stage and screen set to join the company led by Helen George as Tracy Lord. Joining Helen are Freddie Fox (Slow Horses, House of the Dragon) making his musical theatre debut who will play the charismatic and unpredictable Mike Connor, Julian Ovenden (Bridgerton, Downton Abbey) who will play the suave and sophisticated Dexter Haven, Nigel Lindsay (Mobland, The Capture) who will play Uncle Willie and Malcolm Sinclair (Pie in the Sky) as Seth Lord, completing the star-studded line-up of this dazzling must-see musical event.
Direct from a summer season at London’s Barbican Theatre the show will embark on a major six-month UK & Ireland tour beginning at High Wycombe’s Swan Theatre on 14 July. Tickets are on sale from HighSocietyMusical.com.
This sumptuous new production is brought to life by an multi-award-winning creative team, including renowned director Rachel Kavanaugh (currently directing Hugh Bonneville in the smash hit Shadowlands at the Aldwych Theatre), legendary choreographer Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia, Kiss Me, Kate) with musical supervision by Stephen Ridley (The King and I, Anything Goes) leading a full orchestra. Audiences will be immersed in a dazzling world of champagnesparkled evenings, razor-sharp comedy, and the timeless sophistication of Cole Porter in one of the great classic musicals of all time.
With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a book by Arthur Kopit, this glittering new production promises a heady cocktail of romance, wit, mistaken identity and irresistible musical charm. Featuring Porter classics such as Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, I Love Paris, Well Did You Evah?, Just One Of Those Things, Let’s Misbehave, You’re Sensational, and the swooningly romantic True Love, HIGH SOCIETY will be the unmissable musical event of the year.
Freddie Fox makes his musical theatre debut in HIGH SOCIETY this summer marking an exciting new chapter in a career that already spans acclaimed television roles such as Slow Horses and House Of The Dragon, as well as work behind the camera as a director and producer. A member of one of Britain’s most distinguished acting dynasties he brings both pedigree and versatility to the stage with screen credits that have firmly established him as one of his
generation’s most compelling performers. He said: He said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be making my musical theatre debut in HIGH SOCIETY. It’s the realisation of a boyhood dream for me, and I can’t wait to dive into this world, the music and the sheer joy of Cole Porter.”
Julian Ovenden returns to musical theatre this summer following a celebrated screen career that includes standout roles in The Crown, Downton Abbey and Bridgerton. Renowned for his rich baritone and stage presence, he has previously earned an Olivier Award nomination for South Pacific, alongside other acclaimed musical performances, making his return in HIGH SOCIETY highly anticipated. He said: “The idea of taking HIGH SOCIETY on tour is incredibly exciting. There is nothing better than bringing a show like this to audiences far and wide. It’s going to be a real celebration and I know people are going to have an incredible night out.”
They are joined by acclaimed actors Nigel Lindsay and Malcolm Sinclair. The cast for this new production of the beloved Cole Porter musical is made up of Naomi Pacquette, David Seadon-Young, James Hume, Bethany Adamson, David Austin-Barnes, Jabari Braham, George Bray, Andrew Coshan, Jordan Crouch, Frances Dee, Aaron Elijah, Tosca Fischer, Jacob Fisher, Heather Jackson, Aoife Kenny, Nell Martin, Isabel Snaas, Thomas Inge, Robin Kent, Imogen Bailey, Lucy Rice.
Producer Sir Howard Panter said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that such extraordinary actors Freddie Fox, Julian Ovenden and Nigel Lindsay will be joining Helen George in the UK and Ireland tour of HIGH SOCIETY. We have assembled a first-class creative team, alongside a truly irresistible cast to bring this classic sumptuous Cole Porter musical to some of the finest theatres direct from the Barbican.”
Clear your diary, because you’re invited to the most swell party of the year, Cole Porter’s HIGH SOCIETY. This year’s most eagerly anticipated production delivers another glorious dose of Golden Age musical theatre escapism across the UK and Ireland. Join the
28-strong cast, led by Helen George, for this lavish new production as plans for the society wedding of the year descend into chaos, with old flames and new flames vying for attention as a sharp-eyed tabloid reporter hunts for scandal at the waterfront estate.
HIGH SOCIETY – UK AND IRELAND TOUR 2026 19 May – 11 July Barbican Theatre
14 – 18 July High Wycombe Swan
21 – 25 July Cardiff New Theatre
28 July – 1 August Southend Cliffs Pavilion
11 – 15 August Belfast Grand Opera House * 18 – 22 August Birmingham Alexandra Theatre
25 – 29 August Leeds Grand Theatre
1 – 5 September Glasgow King’s Theatre ± 8 – 12 September Edinburgh Playhouse
15 – 19 September Norwich Theatre Royal
22 September – 3 October Salford The Lowry ±
6 – 10 October Bromley Churchill Theatre
20 – 24 October Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre ±
27 – 31 October Canterbury Marlowe Theatre
3 – 7 November
Nottingham Theatre Royal
10 – 14 November Eastbourne Congress Theatre
* Helen George will not perform
± Helen George will not perform on 4/5/6/25/26
September and 20/21 October
Website: HighSocietyMusical.com
Facebook: @highsocietymusical
Instagram: @highsocietymusical
Youtube: @highsocietymusical
TikTok: @highsocietymusical
Also based on the Turner Entertainment Co. Motion Picture “High Society”
For more information please contact: Hannah Tollman / Neil Reading
Neil Reading PR 020 7839 2277
Hannah@neilreadingpr.com
EXPERIENCE EXCEPTIONAL
Stay - Spa - Golf - Conference
LAUREN DEMPSEY
A Journey to the British LGBT Awards – being shortlisted!
As someone who has spent the last few years advocating for equality, visibility, and meaningful change, I’ve always believed in the power of community. My name is Lauren Dempsey, an award-winning, inspirational role model, Trans in the City Community Champion for Northern Ireland, and a proud future leader in the tech sector, where I use technology to make people’s lives better...
This year’s winners represent a powerful mix of cultural icons, corporate champions, grassroots leaders and rising voices whose impact has shaped conversations, opened doors and inspired change. Below is a clear breakdown of every winner and the award they received, celebrating the individuals and groups who made a defining mark this year.
Special Awards
• Boy George — Lifetime Achievement Winner
• Jonathan Harvey — Special Award Winner Judged Corporate & Community Categories
• Dan Porter (Tesco) — Inspirational Leader (HSBC UK)
• Skyscanner — Inclusive Company (Morrisons)
• Irwin Mitchell — Legal Team of the Year
• NatWest Rainbow Network — Network Group of the Year
• Alexandra Parmar-Yee –Trailblazer
• Sahir House – Charity or Community Initiative Media & Celebrity Categories (Comedy/ Entertainment)
• Ellis Howard — Rising Star
• Rylan — Broadcaster, Journalist or Host
• Boy George — Music Artist
• Alan Cumming — LGBTQ+ Celebrity
• Stephen Libby For The Traitors — Media Moment
My work has always been rooted in the belief that progress happens when we combine compassion with action, and when we refuse to let anyone feel unseen or unheard.
So, when I learned I had been shortlisted for the Inclusive Campaigner category at the British LGBT Awards, it felt like a moment that tied all those threads together. It wasn’t just recognition of the work I’ve done, it was recognition of the community that shaped me, supported me, and inspired me. And it set the stage for an unforgettable journey: a mother-anddaughter adventure from Belfast to London, filled with laughter, heatwaves, glam-ups, and the kind of memories that stay with you long after the spotlight fades.
Why I Was Nominated Reverse Mentoring Senior Leadership
A major part of my nomination centred on my work in reverse mentoring senior leadership, a practice that became one of the most transformative elements of my advocacy. Reverse mentoring gave leaders something they rarely experience: an unfiltered, human, and deeply honest window into transgender lived experience. Through openness and vulnerability, I created a space where senior leaders felt safe to ask questions they had never voiced before, explore perspectives they had never considered, and confront the difference between performing inclusion and truly understanding why it matters.
These sessions uncovered organisational blind spots, outdated HR processes, system glitches, and gaps that unintentionally excluded or disadvantaged trans employees. Together, we explored how technology, policy, and culture could evolve to support a diverse workforce more effectively. Leaders gained a deeper understanding of the practical realities trans people navigate at work, from name changes and healthcare access to pronouns, safety, and psychological wellbeing. Most importantly, they built confidence in how to lead inclusively, model respectful behaviour, and create environments where authenticity is not just accepted but protected.
a workplace where authenticity is not just accepted but encouraged. My leadership helped shift culture in ways that policies alone never could.
Being an Open Transgender Leader in Corporate Leadership
Stepping into a leadership role as an openly transgender woman has been one of the most defining and meaningful parts of my professional journey. In late 2025, I was promoted into a senior role, something still far too rare for trans people in corporate environments. That promotion wasn’t symbolic; it was earned through years of building expertise, delivering results, and showing up with authenticity. The more I was able to be myself
at work, the more I thrived, and the more my customers and colleagues recognised me as a role model.
The impact of this work has rippled far beyond the mentoring room. Leaders who participated are now better equipped to identify barriers, champion psychological safety, and embed inclusive behaviours across their teams. Insights from these conversations have informed organisational strategy, opened new discussions around trans-inclusive healthcare benefits, and strengthened the company’s commitment to continuous learning and accountability. Workshops have become more productive, acceptance is actively nurtured, and inclusion is no longer an abstract value but a lived practice. Senior leaders have described me as a trailblazer and an inspirational role model, recognition that reflects not just the sessions themselves, but the courage, honesty, and humanity it took to open those doors in the first place.
Leadership
as
Co-Chair of the LGBT+ Employee Network
Another significant part of my nomination came from my work as Co-Chair of an LGBT+ Employee Network, a role that allowed me to drive meaningful, structural change across the organisation. As an openly trans leader, I used my visibility and lived experience to champion inclusion, challenge outdated systems, and ensure that every LGBTQ+ colleague, especially trans and non-binary staff, felt seen, supported, and safe at work.
I led policy reviews, spearheaded a review of the organisation’s transgender policy, advocated for trans-inclusive healthcare benefits, delivered wellbeing and education events, represented the organisation externally, and helped to develop learning materials to help staff understand pronouns, gender identity, and lived experience. Through all of this, I became an active voice for colleagues who needed one. The impact was tangible: stronger psychological safety, more inclusive systems, deeper understanding across teams, and
Trans leaders often develop resilience, empathy, and adaptability long before stepping into formal leadership. Those qualities shaped the way I lead: with a deeper understanding of people’s varied experiences, an ability to navigate complexity, and a natural instinct for inclusive decision-making. Leadership is already a journey of growth, but doing it while navigating gender identity adds a layer of reflection and intentionality that strengthens how you show up for others.
Being a trans leader also means being visible in ways you don’t always choose. That visibility can feel heavy, but it carries real impact. Simply existing in the role challenges assumptions about who belongs in leadership and expands what colleagues imagine a leader can look like. My presence has made it easier for others to be themselves; colleagues feel more comfortable asking questions, seeking support, or being open about their own identities. I’ve become a safe space, a signal that authenticity is welcome.
What I’ve gained is a deeper sense of purpose in how I lead. My lived experience has shaped my empathy, sharpened my awareness of the unseen barriers others face, and strengthened my commitment to creating spaces where people feel safe to be themselves. These values guide how I make decisions, how I support my teams, and how I show up every day, and they became a powerful part of why I was nominated.
The Journey to London
Being shortlisted for the Inclusive Campaigner category at the British LGBT Awards was one of those rare moments where life seems to pause, tilt slightly, and then glow a little brighter. It wasn’t just a nomination, it was recognition of the past years of advocacy, community work, and the stubborn belief that visibility matters. But what made the experience unforgettable wasn’t the shortlist alone. It was the journey that followed: a motherand-daughter adventure from Belfast to London, a heatwave, a glam-up session my mum still hasn’t recovered from, and an awards night that felt like stepping into a different universe.
We flew out on 27 May, catching the early morning flight from
Belfast, the kind of flight that makes you question why airports even allow humans to function at that hour. London greeted us with a heatwave so intense it felt like the city had been preheated.
But the real shock came when we tried to buy a bottle of water. Londoners, bless them, looked at our Northern Irish banknotes as if we’d handed over Monopoly money. One cashier squinted at my tenner like it was a cryptic puzzle. Another confidently announced, “Sorry, we don’t take euros.” At that point, I started to wonder if I should have brought a translator to explain that NI currency is, in fact, still sterling.
We spent the rest of the day exploring Camden Market, weaving through stalls bursting with colour, music, and the kind of quirky treasures you only find in London. Mum was in her element, soaking in everything from street art to food stalls to a group of cyclists taken over the road in a parade. It was the perfect way to settle into the city before the big day. And beneath the laughter and the heat and the chaos, there was this quiet hum of excitement: tomorrow was awards day.
A Night of Glamour, Pride & Celebrity Encounters
The only reason we were even able to attend the ceremony was thanks to Bobbi Pickard of Trans in the City, who generously gave me her tickets. Bobbi didn’t just hand over access to an event, she handed me an opportunity to stand in a room filled with people shaping the future of LGBTQ+ visibility and equality. Her kindness is the reason my mum and I got to share this moment together, and it’s something I’ll always be grateful for.
Awards day itself was a transformation, especially for my mum. She has never had a pamper day in her life, but that morning she was treated to a full glam session by a London makeup artist. Watching her sit there, trying not to smile too widely in case she “moved her face wrong,” was one of the most heart-warming moments of the entire trip. She looked stunning, but more importantly, she felt stunning. For once, she wasn’t just the supportive mum in the background, she was part of
the celebration, glowing with pride and excitement.
And I wasn’t escaping the glam either. I had my own full makeover, hair, makeup, the works and for once, I allowed myself to fully lean into it. There was something powerful about sitting in that chair, letting someone else take over, and seeing the final look come together. It wasn’t just about looking polished for the awards; it was about stepping into the moment, owning my space, and allowing myself to feel every bit as deserving of being there as everyone else in the room. It felt like a celebration of how far I’ve come, personally, professionally, and proudly as myself.
Despite all the excitement, the biggest miracle of the night wasn’t the glamour or the speeches, it was the fact my mum stayed awake. Her usual bedtime is 8pm sharp, and this was the first time in years she’d been out past it. Yet there she was, wide-eyed and buzzing, still going strong as the final award was handed out at 11:30pm. Not once did she ask for a taxi back to the hotel. If anything, she looked like she could have powered through an after-party.
What touched her most wasn’t the makeup or the glamour, it was hearing strangers say positive things about me. Throughout the night, people she’d never met approached her to share kind words about my work, my advocacy, and why I’d been shortlisted. I could see it landing with her, reshaping how she understood the impact of what I do. One example would have been a meeting
from the night before where I introduced my mum to Neil Hudson Basing, and the two of them hit it off immediately, chatting away like they’d known each other for years. At one point, Neil and I got talking about the awards, and what really caught my mum off guard, in the best possible way, was hearing him say that Jacqui Rhule-Dagher, who was also shortlisted in my category, had been backing me to win. She’d been following the work I’ve been doing online and believed in the impact it was having. The emotional part? I’d never even met Jacqui at that point, I only knew of her. Hearing that kind of support from someone I admired meant the world, and it meant even more to my mum.
Back to the awards night it was time for one of her favourite parts of the night (besides the awards being given out) the celebrity encounters.
My mum turned into a one-woman red-carpet whirlwind, collecting photos like treasured souvenirs. She chatted with Boy George (who sat at the table beside us), who was warm and gracious; posed proudly with Paul Burrell; shared a laugh with Rylan; and lit up when she met Dr. Ranj Singh. But the moment she’ll be talking about for years was meeting Bruno Tonioli, her smile in that photo could have powered the National Grid. By the end of the night, she had more celebrity selfies than I had business cards, and she floated out of the venue like she’d won an award herself.
WHATEVER
Average Boys Club: The Brand Reclaiming Queer
Cool
Fashion has always been about more than clothes. For LGBTQIA+ people, it has often served as a language, a signal and sometimes even a form of survival. Long before social media profiles and dating apps, what we wore helped us find each other, express ourselves and communicate belonging. Few contemporary brands understand that better than Average Boys Club.
Founded in London by Jordan Sloan and Chris Ashley Cairns, Average Boys Club has quickly become one of the most talked about queer lifestyle brands in Britain. What started as a collection of perfectly cut tanks, cropped tees and sports inspired staples has evolved into something far more significant. In just a few short years, the brand has cultivated a devoted following by tapping into a powerful combination of nostalgia, humour and authentic community connection.
At first glance, the aesthetic feels familiar. There are references to vintage locker rooms, athletic culture and the coded visual language that many gay men instantly recognise. The influence of 1980s queer imagery runs throughout the collections, evoking an era when identity was expressed through subtle signals and shared references. Yet Average Boys Club never feels stuck in the past. Instead, it takes those cultural touchstones and reimagines them for a new generation.
What makes the brand particularly compelling is its understanding of queer culture as something living and evolving. While many fashion labels borrow from LGBTQIA+ aesthetics during Pride season, Average Boys Club was built from within the community itself. Every campaign, collaboration and collection feels rooted in genuine experience rather than marketing strategy.
That authenticity has become increasingly valuable in today’s fashion landscape. Consumers are no longer simply buying products. They are investing in stories, values and communities. Jordan and Chris recognised this from the outset. Rather than focusing solely on clothing, they have created an entire world around the brand. Through collectable zines, creative partnerships, pop up experiences and connections to London’s nightlife scene, Average Boys Club has positioned itself as a cultural platform as much as a fashion label.
Perhaps that explains why the brand resonates so deeply with queer audiences. It celebrates a version of gay life that feels familiar yet aspirational. There is wit in the designs, confidence in the styling and a knowing self awareness that refuses to take itself too seriously. It embraces the playful contradictions that exist within queer culture: strength and vulnerability, nostalgia and modernity, glamour and grit.
The latest collection, Farm Boys, continues that tradition. Drawing inspiration from vintage homoerotic photography and rural Americana, it transforms everyday staples into pieces loaded with character and storytelling. It is cheeky without being cliché, sexy without trying too hard and stylish without sacrificing accessibility.
In many ways, Average Boys Club represents a new chapter in queer fashion. One where brands are not simply selling clothes but creating spaces where people feel seen. As LGBTQIA+ visibility continues to grow, the importance of those spaces cannot be underestimated.
For the boys who grew up searching for representation, for the men who found confidence through community and for anyone who understands that fashion can be a form of self expression, Average Boys Club offers more than a wardrobe. It offers a sense of belonging.
And there is absolutely nothing average about that.
jason cancino
Photo credit: Stephen McCracken Photography
My name is Jason Cancino, I am 33 years old, and I am from East Belfast. I have been featured in GNIMAG several times over the years, and this piece follows my continued journey in pageantry after winning my first ever title in 2024, Mr Shining Light Forever, within the Shining Light Pageant system. I competed at national level in Derry/Londonderry, where I helped raise funds and awareness for Aware NI, a mental health charity providing vital support services across Northern Ireland
When the Shining Light Pageant ended its system in August 2024, I made the decision to take a year’s break. My confidence had taken a real knock and it affected my mental health, so I stepped back from both the stage and social media to focus on my wellbeing as I struggled with anxiety.
Lisa, my director, has always been incredibly supportive and encouraged me to return when I felt ready. It had been some time since I had last competed in the pageant scene in Northern Ireland.
I am really glad that Diamond Ireland has now become a contracted pageant system. Before this, it was originally known as the Diamond Ireland Pageant Heat and ran as a non contracted system, before developing into one of Ireland’s leading national pageants.
I have always watched Diamond United Kingdom and European Union live on Facebook on pageant day, and I have been amazed by their consistency, the amount of work they put into their chosen charities, and the incredible outfits on stage. My favourite round has always been Fun Fashion, as it really shows personality, style, confidence, and how comfortable you are expressing yourself on stage.
I always felt there was more in me, and as I never had the chance to compete internationally, in 2025 I decided to enter the Diamond Ireland Pageant as a finalist. I felt it was the right time to return to a national stage. If I won, I would have the opportunity to compete internationally this time. I wanted to
challenge myself again and show that being your authentic self is beautiful. Whether I won or not, my goal was to give it everything I had.
This is now my second pageant system, and I am so glad to be doing it again, as it has helped rebuild my confidence and supported my mental health. Pageantry is a community where everyone supports each other and you make new friends. It really does feel like one big family that celebrates each other’s success.
Winning Mr Diamond Ireland was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I was over the moon and could not believe it, as it means I will be able to represent Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the Philippines in America next year. This is something I have always wanted, and now I have the chance to represent countries I am proud to call home.
Pageantry in Northern Ireland is not just about beauty. It is about building confidence and raising awareness for charities so we can help make a better place for those who need it most.
I am especially excited for this year’s fundraising as I get to choose my own charity, and I have chosen The Rainbow Project, an LGBTQ+ charity in Northern Ireland that is very close to my heart. As a gay man, I want not only to raise awareness but to make an impact in my community, as we still face discrimination and hate crime.
I will be hosting fundraising events in Belfast, with all dates and times to be announced on my social media.
The services provided by The Rainbow Project include:
• Co cultural counselling
• Hate crime advocacy
• Free sexual health testing and advice
• Trans swimming project
• Cancer champions
• Support for gay ethnic communities
• Campaigning for a better Northern Ireland for the
LGBTQ+ community
I want to encourage young people to speak about their mental health, because it is okay to feel vulnerable. We all go through different situations in life. When I was younger, I was not accepted for who I was. Being gay was not easy and my family did not accept me at first, but now we are all on good terms, which I am grateful for, and it does get better. My goal this year is to work hard in my pageant journey and make the most of my title. I will continue making appearances, raising awareness, and showing that being your unique self is something to be proud of, while also raising as much as I can for my chosen charity before I go on to compete internationally in America and represent Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the Philippines on that stage.
In modelling, I want to keep breaking boundaries and continue creating opportunities that bring out the best in me.
I would highly recommend pageants to anyone looking to build confidence, as it has helped me greatly. It is also important to do your research and find the right system for you, as every pageant has different values and charities. Always ask questions before committing so you understand how it works and how you want to represent yourself.
For gay men wanting to enter pageants, my advice is to always be honest with the people you meet, be kind, and remain professional. Most importantly, be your authentic self. And if you are going through mental health struggles, take the time you need to rest and recover. It is okay not to be okay.
Follow Jason on Insta j.cancinomodeling
michael
Can you be gay and catholic?
Can you be gay and Catholic?
For many people, the answer seems obvious. Some would say no. Others would say yes. Yet for countless gay Catholics, the reality is far more complicated. At the heart of this question is something deeply human. Gay Catholics, like everyone else, are searching for love, meaning, holiness and a place to belong. They want to follow God. They want to be part of the Church. They also want companionship, intimacy and someone with whom to share their lives. The tragedy is that discussions about homosexuality in the Church often become trapped in arguments and divisions, while the real lives of gay people are overlooked. The question is not simply about sexuality. It is about people. It is about faith, love, relationships, loneliness, belonging and the desire to become the person God is calling us to be.
More Than Sex
One of the biggest misunderstandings in discussions about homosexuality is the assumption that being gay is primarily about sex.
Anyone who listens honestly to gay people knows this is not true.
What many gay men and women long for is not simply sexual fulfilment, but companionship, commitment, loyalty, friendship and enduring love. Like everyone else, they want someone to share life’s joys and struggles with. They want someone to stand beside them through sickness, ageing, uncertainty and change.
Sex may be part of a relationship, but it is rarely the deepest thing people are searching for.
Yet conversations about homosexuality within the Church have often focused almost entirely on sexual acts. As a result, many gay Catholics feel that their ability to love, sacrifice, commit and build a life with another person is ignored or misunderstood.
The desire to love and be loved is not something unique to gay people. It is part of what it means to be human.
The Church’s Dilemma
The Catholic Church teaches that every person is loved by God and called to holiness. It also teaches that same sex attraction is not something a person chooses and is not, in itself, sinful.
At the same time, the Church teaches that sexual intimacy belongs within marriage between a man and a woman and remains open to the possibility of new life. This creates a genuine tension.
On one side are those who believe that recognising same sex relationships would compromise Catholic teaching. Their concern comes from a desire to remain faithful to the Church’s understanding of marriage, sexuality and human flourishing.
Even when such messages are not intended, they can leave lasting wounds.
On the other side are those who believe the Church should simply embrace all aspects of modern LGBT culture without reservation. Their desire to affirm gay people often comes from compassion and a genuine wish to protect people from rejection and harm.
Yet this approach can sometimes overlook important questions about commitment, self-discipline, spiritual growth and the Christian understanding of love. It can also create further divisions within the Church.
Both sides are trying to answer an important question, but neither side fully resolves the challenge faced by gay Catholics seeking both faith and belonging.
A Missing Distinction
Perhaps part of the way forward begins with recognising something many gay people already understand: not all same sex love can be reduced to sexual behaviour.
Human relationships are complex. They contain affection, sacrifice, emotional intimacy, friendship, loyalty and commitment. These aspects of love deserve to be recognised.
For too long, discussions about homosexuality have often centred almost entirely on sexual morality. As a result, many gay people hear a discussion about certain behaviours as a rejection of their whole identity and their ability to love.
A more complete conversation must recognise the whole person.
The Church has always taught that every person is more than their struggles, their weaknesses or their desires. Every person is a beloved child of God, called to grow in love and holiness.
Holiness Is a Journey
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
Yet the lived experience of many gay Catholics cannot simply be ignored. Many have experienced deep loneliness, fear, shame and a sense of being unwanted. Some have spent years believing that their desire for love and companionship somehow makes them less worthy of God’s love.
Catholic teaching has always recognised that holiness is a journey.
People grow in virtue gradually. They struggle, they fall, they begin again, and they continue moving forward. This is true in every area of human life.
The Church understands that people are shaped by many factors, including personal history, emotional wounds, habits, circumstances and human weakness. Christian growth is not about demanding instant perfection. It is about allowing God’s grace to transform people over time.
This has important implications for the pastoral care of gay Catholics.
Rather than creating a culture of fear or shame, the Church can accompany people on their journey towards holiness. Rather than reducing people to their sexuality, it can encourage them to grow in love, generosity, faithfulness, prayer and self-giving.
Chastity, in Catholic understanding, is not simply about saying no. It is about learning how to love rightly. It is a call for every Christian, whether single or married, gay or straight, to allow love to become something deeper than selfish desire. For some people, this journey may be difficult and gradual. Like every Christian vocation, it requires patience, support, honesty and mercy.
A Way Forward
What if the Church recognised more clearly the genuine love, commitment and sacrifice that can exist within same sex relationships?
What if gay Catholics were encouraged not simply to hide their longing for companionship, but to seek relationships marked by fidelity, generosity, spiritual growth and authentic love? Such an approach would not mean abandoning the Church’s call to holiness or the call to chastity. The challenge is to present chastity not as a burden imposed upon a particular group, but as a lifelong journey of learning how to love well.
This approach could also open the door to official blessings for same sex couples. Such a blessing would not necessarily mean declaring that every aspect of a relationship is perfect or beyond reflection. The Church has always blessed people who are still growing, still
learning and still seeking God’s grace.
Rather, a blessing could be understood as a prayer that God would strengthen what is good, heal what is wounded and guide people towards deeper love, greater faithfulness and a closer relationship with Him.
Far from being a rejection of Catholic tradition, such an approach would be rooted in the belief that God works patiently in people’s lives. The Church would not be saying that moral growth no longer matters. Instead, it would be recognising that growth happens through accompaniment, friendship, prayer and the gradual transformation of the human heart. In recent weeks, the Pope has also reminded Catholics that the Church must not become obsessed with sexual sins while forgetting the wider message of the Gospel. Pride, greed, injustice, cruelty, indifference to the poor and a lack of love for others are also serious matters of Christian concern.
It will be found in a deeper understanding of the human person and a renewed commitment to accompanying people towards holiness.
Gay Catholics are not asking the Church to
Sexual morality is part of the Christian life, but it is not the whole Christian life.
A more balanced pastoral approach would allow the Church to encourage holiness while also recognising the love, commitment and dignity present in people’s lives and relationships.
Conclusion
The future of the Catholic Church’s relationship with gay people will not be found in extremes.
abandon its faith. Many are asking whether there is room within that faith for people like them to love, to belong and to become saints. The answer to that question will require both courage and compassion.
It will require truth and mercy.
And above all, it will require remembering that every person is searching for the same thing: to know that they are loved by God.
TRUE PRIDE launches in Manchester with an exclusively queer-curated festival of music, performance, film and community
This summer, Hidden in Manchester will host the inaugural TRUE PRIDE, an exclusively queercurated Pride festival taking place on Saturday 1 August 2026. Created to centre queer artists, voices and audiences, the festival offers a bold and representative platform for LGBTQI+ creativity, culture and community.
Spanning late afternoon until the early hours of the morning TRUE PRIDE will bring together live music, DJs, comedy, talks, film, wellness and performance across multiple spaces. Programming will include the Indie Room, a seated Acoustic Space, the Electronica Basement, the outdoor “Groove is in the Joy” space, an art-house queer film room, and an Arts Lounge featuring queer interviews, talks, avant-garde pop performances, live string quartet and queer wellness offerings.
From midnight to 2am, queer DJs will play exclusively queer music across all three floors, extending the festival into a full late-night celebration.
Founded and curated by a team of LGT curators, including Jamie Irrepressible along with Manchester scenes’ finest DJ Bollibubbles, DJ Sandra D, Liam Walsh and Sally McFerran - TRUE PRIDE responds to the ongoing underrepresentation of queer artists in mainstream Pride programming. Pride was never meant to be a stage for straight artists performing a version of queerness that feels safe to the mainstream. TRUE PRIDE exists to put LGBTQI+
voices back where they belong: at the centre, speaking for ourselves, creating for ourselves, and refusing to be sidelined. Born from frustration, anger and love, the festival is a call to reclaim Pride as a space that is truly ours — bold, empowering and unmistakably representative of the whole community.
This first wave of artists includes The Irrepressibles, The Hidden Cameras, DJ Boli Bubbles, Leo Chadburn, DJ Sandra D, Kerry Leigh, Ollie Becker, Run Remedy, Alabaster Queen and Jamie Irrepressible (PA/DJ set). Further artists will be announced in the coming weeks from across the queer community.
The wider line-up reflects TRUE PRIDE’s commitment to presenting both recognised queer artists and vital new voices across music, performance, comedy and conversation.
Jamie Irrepressible: “True Pride is about creating a space where queer artists, audiences and stories are not on the sidelines but at the centre. It’s about building something celebratory, representative and genuinely exciting — a platform for both emerging voices and established artists across the community.”
OND BURSARY:
Alongside the festival, Of Naked Design has launched the OND Fund for queer songwriters from disadvantaged backgrounds. The no-stringsattached fund will support two UK musicians each year with £2,000 each to use towards creating an EP or single package, funding a UK mini-tour, or
staging a launch event, and the successful applicants must be available to perform at TRUE PRIDE on 1 August 2026.
Jamie Irrepressible: “It has always been an aspiration of mine to help musicians like myself who have struggled as queer musicians in the music industry, especially those from a working-class background. It’s getting easier for queer musicians these days, but there is still little support for musicians working in the field of popular music. Myself and fellow queer music industry professionals Liam Walsh and Paul Bonham will make the final selection this year and every year.”
TRUE PRIDE takes place at Hidden, 16–18 Mary Street, Manchester M3 1NH. The festival is presented by Of Naked Design and is strictly for ages 18 and over.
Tickets are on sale now via DICE. Early Bird tickets are priced at £22.71 for students, disabled people and unemployed attendees, and £28.38 for General Admission.
Guided tours, seasonal planting and homemade refreshments in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Everyone is welcome.
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The Reveal: Why midlife is your most authentic operating system.
You reach a point in life where you realise you’ve been running on old wiring. Not because you chose to, but because it was familiar and it worked for a long time. Then one day, without any big moment announcing itself, something in you hesitates. You’re brushing your teeth or scrolling in bed and you notice that the things that used to give you a lift don’t land anymore. The nights out feel thinner than they used to.
The apps feel like a room you’ve walked into too many times. The men you chase don’t stir anything real. It’s not a crisis. It’s not even sadness. It’s more like your system quietly saying, “This version has done its job. We’re ready for something else.”
Most gay men misread this moment. We grew up in a culture that treats youth as a kind of currency and midlife as a slow fade into the background. You hit forty or fifty and suddenly you’re meant to apologise for taking up space. But what’s actually happening is far more ordinary and far more hopeful: the old code is wearing thin. The version of you that carried you through your twenties and thirties — the one who hustled, charmed, performed, endured — has reached the end of his contract. Now you need the version who isn’t performing anymore, the one who knows who he is without having to prove it.
The first place this shift shows up is in your thinking. Not the big existential questions — the small, automatic thoughts that slip in before you’ve even had your first coffee. I’m too old. I’ve missed my chance. Men my age aren’t desirable. Everyone else seems to be doing better than me. These thoughts don’t come from insight.
They come from habit. They’re echoes from a younger man who was still trying to earn his place in the world. The practical shift is simple: you catch the thought as it arrives. You don’t fight it or drown it in positivity. You just acknowledge it. That small pause gives you room to ask, “Is this actually true today.” Most of the time, it isn’t. And the more often you interrupt the old thought, the less grip it has.
Then there’s the behaviour — the patterns you’ve been running for so long they feel like personality. The late night scrolling. The quick chats. The quick encounters. The quick exits. The cycle that once felt exciting now leaves you with that familiar hollow feeling you pretend not to notice. In your twenties, the apps gave you belonging. In your thirties, they gave you distraction. In your forties and fifties, they give you nothing but a momentary hit followed by a longer stretch of emptiness. The real shift is behavioural honesty. You write the profile you’ve been avoiding. You say what you actually want. You stop pretending you’re open to “whatever happens” when you know you’re not. You stop replying to men who drain you. You stop chasing men who can’t meet you. You stop negotiating with your own loneliness. And when you show up honestly, the whole landscape changes. You stop attracting men who want the surface of you and start attracting men who want the substance.
Underneath all of this sits the deeper architecture: the beliefs you’ve been carrying for decades. Not the ones you say out loud — the ones that sit under your ribs and quietly steer your life. Monogamy doesn’t work for men like us. All the good men are taken. I’m only valuable if I look a certain way. Love is for other people. These
beliefs don’t announce themselves. They simply shape your choices. The practical work is far simpler than people make it: you bring the belief into daylight. You write it down. Then you ask, “Where did I learn this.” Not “Is it true.” — “Where did I learn it.” Because once you see the origin — the club culture, the ex who couldn’t commit, the friend group that normalised chaos, the years you spent trying to be chosen — the belief loses its authority. It becomes a story. And stories can be rewritten.
And somewhere in the middle of all this, something else becomes clear. You get to a stage where it’s obvious no one is coming to do the upgrade for you. You have to install it yourself. Not with fanfare, just with a few honest decisions about how you think, how you show up, and what you’re no longer willing to tolerate. It’s not a reinvention. It’s not a performance. It’s a quiet shift in the way you operate. You stop running the settings that belonged to a younger man and start using the ones that fit the life you actually want now.
This is the part that catches most men off guard. The upgrade isn’t dramatic. It doesn’t arrive with a breakthrough moment or a sudden burst of clarity. It happens in the small, unglamorous choices you make on a Tuesday afternoon when no one is watching. You decide you’re done chasing men who treat you like an option. You decide you’re done pretending you’re fine with casual when you’re not. You decide you’re done shrinking yourself to avoid being judged. These aren’t big gestures. They’re quiet refusals. And those refusals slowly build a different kind of life.
Then there’s the part no one talks
about: the fear of being seen as you are now. Not the younger version. Not the curated version. The real one. A lot of men respond to that fear by shrinking. They wear muted colours. They speak less. They flirt less. They take fewer risks. They disappear themselves before the world can do it for them. The practical shift here is exposure — not the dramatic kind, the human kind. You do one thing each day that makes you visible again. You speak up once in a meeting. You hold eye contact with a man you find attractive. You say the thing you usually swallow. You wear the shirt you think you’re “too old” for. Those small moments accumulate. They change the way you move through the world. They remind you that you’re still here, still alive, still allowed to take up space.
And as you make these small adjustments, something else happens. You start to recognise the difference between the life you’ve been tolerating and the life you actually want. You notice the friendships that drain you and the ones that nourish you. You notice the habits that numb you and the ones that ground you. You notice the men who make you feel like you’re competing and the men who make you feel like you’ve arrived. Midlife sharpens your vision. It strips away the noise. It shows you what’s real and what’s been propped up by fear, habit, or old stories you never stopped to question.
What most men don’t realise is that the upgrade isn’t a transformation. It’s a return. A return to the man you were always meant to become once the noise dropped and the performance ended. A thought interrupted. A behaviour shifted. A belief rewritten. A moment of visibility chosen over withdrawal. These
And here’s the part that lands once you’re ready to hear it: midlife isn’t the decline. It’s the reveal. It’s the moment the dust settles and the real man steps forward — the man who isn’t trying to impress anyone, who isn’t chasing validation, who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to say it. The man who finally feels like himself. The man who realises he’s not running out of time; he’s running out of excuses. And that realisation, far from being bleak, is the thing that frees you. It gives you permission to stop performing and start living in a way that actually fits.
That’s the upgrade. And it begins the moment you decide the old code has run its course.
Author bio.
Alan Cox is a CBT practitioner, life coach, and host of The Gay Monogamy Podcast. He works with gay men in midlife who are ready to move beyond old patterns and build relationships rooted in clarity, self respect, and emotional independence. His work blends clinical grounding with lived experience, helping men upgrade the internal operating system they’ve been running for decades.
Make Northern Ireland No Place For Hate
How often do you worry about your walk home?
Do you ever have to consider how loud you talk in public, what route you take, or if it’s safe to hold your partner’s hand?
Before anyone is violent or abusive, it’s the anxiety that follows you around, telling you to be careful where you go, what you do and hide who you are for your own safety.
In just the past 12 months, there were over 200 hate crimes targeting people based on their sexual orientation reported to the PSNI. This equates to 1 almost every 2 days. There were a further 359 hate incidents against people for their sexuality and 57 against transgender people recorded in the same time frame.
Beyond being a direct victim of a crime, the threat of abuse or violence continues to hold a tight grip over people’s lives. 43% of respondents in our last State Of The Community survey told us that they were
worried about being the victim of a hate crime, and 60% avoided certain areas to protect themselves.
This is the broader effect of hate crime, one which isn’t on official statistics. The fear, the altered behaviour, the choosing a different route home or avoiding certain areas when renting or buying a house. Every one of those crimes and incidents has a massive impact on the individual victim, yes, but also sends a signal to the wider community that they are not safe.
While hate crime is very clearly an issue for our community, many simply don’t report it, brush it under the carpet, or may not even trust the process behind reporting. 51% of respondents who had experienced a hate crime said they did not report to the PSNI because they were afraid they wouldn’t be taken seriously or felt there was nothing the police could do about it. Some of that may be due to a lack of faith in police, often informed by historic or contemporary experiences, but a big part is the knowledge that the laws we have around hate crime simply aren’t sufficient to support victims.
For more than three decades, we at The Rainbow Project have worked to make Northern Ireland a better place for LGBTQIA+ people and their families. Among our work is the Hate Crime Advocacy Service, managed by Victim Support NI and delivered through ourselves and other partner organisations, which helps to provide outreach to those who have been the victim of a hate crime, whether they have reported it to the PSNI or not. This year, we’re focusing our Pride presence across the country on hate crime and on improving the legislation through our “No Place for Hate” campaign.
To many, going through the police and courts may seem like a last resort, or more bother than it’s worth. So often what we see is that the “hate” element of a crime, the homophobia or transphobia, is lost in the judicial system, and isn’t adequately taken into account in sentencing.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Currently, the Sentencing Bill is making its way through the Assembly. This Bill, which marks the first change in hate crime legislation in decades, has the possibility of massively improving the ability of the justice system
to address hate crime, and the experiences of victims who do decide to report.
The Sentencing Bill would change the model for addressing hate crimes to an ‘Aggravated Offences’ model. This means that the hate motivation for a crime would no longer be a designation that is tacked on after guilt has been proved, but something that will be considered throughout the entirety of the process. This would assist in making it easier to prosecute hate crimes, and also help probation officers ensure those convicted of hate crimes undergo training on the biases and prejudice that motivated the hate crime, which will assist with rehabilitation. The Rainbow Project has lobbied for a change in legislation and, while we don’t feel it goes far enough, we welcome that work is being done to improve the system for victims of hate crime.
A key flaw with the legislation is that it still, despite the clear evidence, does not include hate crimes based on ‘transgender identity’ and variations in sex characteristics (intersex) within the protected characteristics covered in this Bill. While transgender
identity was originally included in the draft legislation by the Justice Minister, it was removed due to disagreements within the Executive.
Over the past 8 years, the Department of Justice has repeatedly acknowledged the importance of including transgender identity in new hate crime legislation, including in its response to the independent review of the legislation (the Marrinan Review) and the PSNI’s collecting of data on transphobic hate crimes and incidents over the past 15 years, demonstrating a clear need for reform. The exclusion of transphobic hate crime from this bill is not only disappointing but entirely unfounded, unsupported by evidence, and indicative of a broader politicisation of and hostility towards this community.
All of this is coming in the context of rising hostility towards transgender people, with UK media publishing an average of 9 articles a day on transgender people - most being negative in natureand politicians and public figures in the UK using their platforms to spread mis- and dis-information about transgender people, identities, and lives.
We’re also call for the inclusion of hostility related to variations in sex characteristics and hostility related to gender expression to be included to protect intersex individuals and drag artists with diverse gender expressions. This is especially vital given the recent widespread harassment and assaults against drag artists. Having clear data and avenues for prosecution would improve community confidence in policing, reporting and prosecution.
While this bill is a significant opportunity that could possibly deliver real change for our communities, improving protections and restoring some faith in the process, we know that it’s not enough. We know that the root causes of hate, the spread of misinformation and hatred about LGBTQIA+ people, the ignorance that exists in some corners of our society, won’t be fixed by a simple change in the law. We need a whole society approach to addressing hate, prejudice, and discrimination, not just against LGBTQIA+ people but against all marginalised communities, as has been laid bare so clearly by the racist violence which we have seen across Northern Ireland in recent weeks.
That’s why it’s so important that everyone, whether you’re LGBTQIA+ or not, uses every opportunity you can to challenge that prejudice, to give positive visibility and representation to our community, to provide hope for the young people out there who are yet to come out. While the hate we see in our society and around the world has a huge impact on those who experience it, so too does love, solidarity, support. And we know that there is so much more of that than hate.
Only by coming together, acknowledging and accepting difference, and committing to building a better future for all communities, can we make Northern Ireland No Place For Hate.
If you or someone you know is affected by the information in this article, or wishes to report a hate crime or incident and access support, you can contact The Rainbow Project via phone, email, or through our website at www.rainbow-project.org/ contact-us
gni tries
Bambliss: Tried by the Team
Toilet paper may not usually be the diva of a lifestyle magazine, but BamBliss has strutted in with bamboo, softness and serious eco credentials. This small business creates premium bamboo paper products designed to be soft, strong and more sustainable, proving that even your bathroom basics can have a glow-up without costing the earth, financially or literally.
The team tried the BamBliss sample box, which includes two of every product in the range: original 100% bamboo toilet paper, jumbo toilet paper, kitchen roll and face tissues. At £6.49, it is a clever little try-before-you-commit moment for anyone curious about swapping supermarket basics for something a bit more planet-friendly and, frankly, a little more fabulous.
In use, the products feel thoughtfully made rather than worthy-but-wimpy. The 3-ply embossed toilet paper is pleasantly soft, while the jumbo rolls offer 380 sheets, meaning fewer emergency roll changes and fewer dramatic “there’s none left!” bathroom announcements. The kitchen roll is sturdy enough for everyday spills, and the tissues are gentle enough to make switching feel easy rather than like a punishment for caring about trees.
The sustainability details are genuinely appealing too. Bamboo grows quickly, regrows from the same root system and produces naturally strong fibres, which is very clever of it. BamBliss also uses plastic-free packaging, recycled paper wraps with soy-based ink, and repurposed boxes for selected smaller orders, including the GNI sample box, which arrived in a former Aldi box. Glamour? Questionable. Common sense? Immaculate.
The verdict? BamBliss is long-lasting, environmentally minded and soft on the tush, which is exactly the kind of everyday upgrade we can get behind. Available as a one-off order or subscription, it is an easy way to stay stocked without panic-buying paper like it’s 2020 or turning your bathroom cupboard into a survival bunker.
Ready to give your loo roll a glow-up? Shop the range at bambliss.co.uk and use code GNI20 at checkout for 20% off everything in your basket. Soft on the tush, kinder to the planet, and now a little easier on the purse.
Melting Pot Fudge: Tried by the Team
Belfast-made, buttery and absolutely ready for its close-up, Melting Pot Fudge is the sort of local treat that turns a basic tea break into a tiny moment of luxury. What began in a family kitchen over 20 years ago has grown into a proper Belfast success story, still made with simple ingredients, local milk and butter, and thankfully none of the additives or e-numbers lurking in the corner like party crashers.
The team were sent three of their best-selling flavours to put through the very serious, highly scientific GNI taste test: Traditional Butter, Salted Caramel and Madagascan Vanilla. Fudge can be a dramatic little thing. Too sweet and it becomes a sugar ambush, too buttery and it starts being sickly, too creamy and you’re basically booking a nap. Melting Pot Fudge, however, behaves beautifully: smooth, rich, properly melt-in-the-mouth and full of flavour without sending your taste buds into panic mode.
All three flavours disappeared with impressive speed, but Salted Caramel was the office scene-stealer, strutting in with that sweet-and-salty balance and refusing to leave quietly. The bars come in handy 50g and 90g sizes, making them perfect for lunch bags, desk drawers, handbag emergencies,
market mooching or those “I have survived the day and deserve joy” moments. There are also 150g gift packs if you’re feeling generous, or if you need a present that says “I know you, I love you, eat this.”
With six flavours in the range, including vegan options, Melting Pot Fudge clearly knows how to work a room. Fresh from winning Best New Product Launch/Relaunch 2026 at The Grocer Marketing Awards, its 50g bars are now part of the Tesco NI Meal Deal too, which is exactly the kind of glow-up we like to see from a Belfast favourite.
Want in? Of course you do. Shop the full range at www.meltingpotfudge.co.uk and use code PRIDE20 for 20% off orders over £20. You can also follow Melting Pot Fudge on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok at @meltingpotfudge for more fudgy fabulousness.
Uk: Tried By Gary
If your houseplants have been serving “crispy, dramatic and one missed watering from a full diva collapse,” AllpaGrow UK might be the grow-up they’ve been gasping for. This Belfast-based brand makes handcrafted tropical growing medium in small batches, created for indoor and tropical plants that deserve something lighter, airier and far more fabulous than the usual bag of garden-centre mystery mud.
Founded by Fabricio, who grew up in Ecuador surrounded by tropical plants, AllpaGrow has proper roots, literally and emotionally. After moving to Belfast, he noticed that the plants thriving back home were being treated here like precious indoor celebrities, while many local soil mixes were holding too much water, compacting too quickly and leaving roots looking for the emergency exit. So, after plenty of trial, error and the odd leafy casualty, he created his own mix using locally sourced materials from Northern Ireland.
Naturally, we handed it to Gary, the team’s resident plant parent and newly moved-in houseplant hoarder, for a proper trial. His first impression? Light, fluffy and pleasingly clump-free, which is exactly what you want when repotting your leafy children. He used it on three different plants and the results were very much giving botanical grow-up: the peace lily is thriving, the bromeliad is bold and bright, and the Dracaena marginata is standing tall, spiky and frankly a little smug.
What impressed us most was the quality control. No fungus, no gnats, no surprise creepy-crawly tenants trying to move in rent-free. Just a practical, breathable growing medium that helps plants look healthier, happier and ready to be the main character in your living room.
AllpaGrow UK is available on Instagram at @Allpagrow.uk and can also be found at The Lab on Lisburn Road, UpRooted and The Green East in East Belfast.
Zing Toothpaste: Tried by the Team
If your toothpaste routine has been giving “bare minimum bathroom admin,” ZING is here to drag it into its sparkle era. This Yorkshire-made enamel whitening toothpaste claims to dissolve stains, repair enamel and help stop sensitivity in one tidy tube, which is a bold little bathroom boast, but naturally the team were more than happy to brush, rinse and report back in the name of journalism. Glamorous? Debatable. Necessary? Absolutely.
Unlike some whitening pastes that go in with the subtlety of sandpaper at a disco, ZING uses hydroxyapatite, the mineral enamel is made from, alongside papain, an enzyme that helps lift tea and coffee stains with low abrasion. It is also vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, 100% recyclable, made in the UK and free from SLS and titanium dioxide, so there is no dramatic foam party and the paste is not blindingly white. Your sink will survive the plot twist.
We tried the flavour line-up, including Original Mint, Lemon, Peach and Apple & Kiwi, and honestly, ZING seems determined to prove oral care does not need to taste like punishment. The fruity flavours are fresh, clean and fun (perfect for Pride) without going full novelty sweet shop. Peach was the unexpected flirt of the group, while Apple & Kiwi brought a bright little zing that made the morning brush feel slightly less like a grim personality test.
The real win, though, is the after-feel. Teeth felt properly clean, sensitivity seemed calmer, and with continued use there was a fresher, naturally brighter look rather than a blinding reality-TV veneer. Think clever, clean-conscious dental care with just enough personality to make brushing feel less like a chore and more like your mouth has joined the skincare routine.
Ready to give your smile a little main-character energy? Shop the range at zingtoothpaste.com and use code MYBOX for 40% off a first order.
Lechuza Uk: Tried By Gary
You’ve nourished your plants from the inside with the right growing medium, now it’s time to give them a home worthy of their main-character energy. Enter Lechuza UK, whose self-watering planters are basically stylish little plant butlers for anyone who loves greenery but occasionally forgets that plants, annoyingly, need water.
Suitable for indoors or outdoors, these frost and UV-resistant planters are designed to keep plants hydrated and happy without turning plant care into a fulltime job. The built-in water-level indicator tells you exactly when the reservoir needs topping up, while the removable plug underneath lets you drain off excess water. Translation? Less guesswork, fewer dramatic droopy leaves, and a much better chance of keeping your leafy friends looking alive, glossy and smug.
Gary tried the premium CUBE design, priced from £54.39, and it instantly gave “interiors person who has their life together.” Available in a range of colours and sizes, the sleek cube shape makes a chic backdrop for glossy foliage and flowering plants, whether you’re styling a balcony, brightening a
hallway or pretending your living room is an urban jungle. Each planter also comes with a handy portion of Lechuza’s special PON potting mix, which works as a drainage layer to help support healthier roots.
The verdict? Lechuza is a clever, good-looking upgrade for plant parents who want their greenery to look fabulous without the daily hydration panic. Stylish, practical and quietly doing the hard work in the background, it’s giving low-maintenance luxury for your leafy dependants.
Shop the CUBE planter and other amazing pots and planters at thelechuza. co.uk and find extra plant advice at academy.thelechuza.co.uk.
Readers can get 5% off for the next month using code GNIMAG
Allpagrow
DANNY
New role as milk shake Northern Ireland Ambassador
If you had told me years ago that I would become a hairdresser, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Growing up in Belfast, hairdressing wasn’t something I had mapped out as a career. Like many people leaving school, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction I wanted to take. Looking back now, it’s funny how life works out because I genuinely can’t imagine doing anything else.
Hairdressing has given me so much more than a job. It’s given me confidence, creativity, friendships and opportunities that I never expected. Every day I get to meet different people, hear their stories and help them feel better about themselves. There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing a client leave the salon feeling more confident than when they arrived. It’s a privilege that I never take for granted.
One of the things
this industry is that no two days are ever the same. Trends change, techniques evolve and there is always something new to learn. I think that’s why I fell in love with hairdressing in the first place. It allows me to be creative while also building genuine connections with people. As much as I love creating beautiful hair, it’s often the conversations, laughs and relationships built in the chair that stay with me.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve things that once felt completely out of reach. Winning Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year was a huge milestone for me and to achieve that recognition twice is something I will always be proud of. Awards are never the reason I do what I do, but they do provide a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come and the hard work that has gone into getting there.
Education has
massive part of my journey. I firmly believe that you never stop learning in this industry. Whether it’s attending courses, watching other artists work, experimenting with new techniques or sharing knowledge with fellow stylists, there is always room to grow. Staying inspired and continuing to develop is something that keeps me motivated every day.
One brand that has been part of my professional journey for many years is milk shake. Long before becoming an ambassador, it was a brand that I genuinely enjoyed using behind the chair. I loved the results it delivered, the quality of the products and the way the brand combines innovation with a real understanding of what both stylists and clients need. It’s a brand that aligns naturally with my own approach to hairdressing.
That’s why being named the new milk shake Northern Ireland Ambassador is such an exciting moment for me. It feels incredibly special to represent a brand that I already trusted and believed in. This isn’t just a partnership for me; it’s an opportunity to work alongside a company whose values genuinely reflect my own passion for education, creativity and professional growth.
In my role as ambassador I’m looking forward to connecting with other stylists across Northern Ireland, sharing inspiration, showcasing products and helping educate others within the industry. Hairdressing is at its best when we support one another, and I love being part of a community that is constantly encouraging creativity and development. If I can inspire someone to try a new technique, build confidence in their abilities or simply feel more excited about their
career, that’s something I will always be proud of.
Another person who deserves recognition in my journey is Julie from Gorgeous PR. Since becoming self-employed around a year ago, Julie has been an incredible support. Starting your own business can be exciting but it can also feel daunting at times. Having someone in your corner who genuinely believes in you, supports your goals and helps create opportunities has made a huge difference. Julie has played a significant role in helping me grow my profile and navigate many exciting opportunities over the past year, and I’m extremely grateful for everything she has done.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about what the future holds. I want to continue pushing myself creatively, learning from others and delivering the best possible experience for every client who sits in my chair. I also hope to continue representing Northern Ireland on a wider stage and showcasing the incredible talent that exists within our industry.
Hairdressing has taken me on a journey I never could have predicted, and I feel genuinely grateful for every opportunity that has come my way. Becoming a milk shake Northern Ireland Ambassador is another exciting chapter in that story and I can’t wait to see where it leads. Most importantly, I look forward to continuing to do what I love every single day.
Instagram theunderdogdm
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
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MOUNDERWEAR
Mounderwear Unveils Core Swim, Putting the Class in Classic for Summer 2026
Mounderwear, the men's underwear and swimwear label known for body-positive design, premium fabrics, and a loyal following that spans the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, has announced the launch of Core Swim, its newest collection for Summer 2026. In a season when less is more, the collection arrives as a deliberate return to clean lines, timeless cuts, and a focused color palette built around fit rather than flash.
"This summer is all about simplifying things," says founder and designer On Mekahel. "We live in a world where everything feels over-designed, and Core Swim is our answer to that. We're focusing on pieces that will look just as good three years from now as they do today."
At the heart of Core Swim is the classic swim brief; a silhouette Mekahel set out to perfect rather than reinvent. It is the kind of piece that earns a permanent spot in the rotation: no gimmicks, no excess, just an exceptional fit that does exactly what great swimwear should. "I wanted to create the swim brief every man should own," he says. "Something classic and effortless. Core Swim is about stripping away distractions and focusing on what matters most: great fit, great colors, and confidence."
The collection is crafted from a premium stretch fabric engineered to move with the body, dry quickly, and hold its shape through repeated wear, season after season. Every cut is designed to celebrate the body's natural form rather than fight it, offering support where it counts while remaining comfortable enough to carry a man from morning on the sand well into the evening.
Color is where the collection truly comes alive. Orange leads the charge as the season's undisputed hero: bold, warm, and impossible to walk past on a beach. Classic white and black round out the palette, anchoring the collection in timelessness.
To bring the campaign to life, Mounderwear traveled to the Italian coastline — a setting that felt as inevitable as the collection itself. Sun-bleached, effortless, and eternally stylish, Italy offered the kind of backdrop that doesn't compete with what's in front of the camera. "The collection is called Core, so the shoot needed to feel authentic and real," Mekahel says. "Nothing over-styled. Just strong, clean imagery that lets the collection speak for itself."
Mekahel founded Mounderwear nearly a decade ago, drawing on years of modeling for other underwear brands to build something he felt was missing from the market. He has grown the label alongside his husband, Dave, who remains his closest
collaborator and most trusted critic at every stage of the design process. "Dave is involved in everything," Mekahel says. "He's the first person to see the samples and the first to tell me when something isn't working. We balance each other out really well. I'm the dreamer and designer, and he's great at looking at things from the customer's perspective."
Since its launch, Mounderwear has cultivated a deeply devoted following within the LGBTQ+ community — a relationship the brand holds close — while making clear that its message is for any man who wants to feel good in what he wears. "We design for men who want to feel sexy, regardless of how they identify."
As the brand approaches its 10-year anniversary, that founding conviction has only grown sharper. "My goal is to keep evolving while staying true to the reason we started: making men feel confident," says Mekahel. "We'll continue expanding into new categories, exploring new ideas, and pushing the brand forward, but confidence, comfort, and celebrating individuality will always remain at the heart of MOUNDERWEAR."
The Core Swim collection is available now at www. mounderwear.com. Follow along at @mounderwear.
The relationship people
Counselling and Family Mediation Services
Available across Northern Ireland
Supporting individuals, couples and families to build healthier relationships and stronger wellbeing.
At Relate NI, we understand that life and relationships can sometimes be challenging. Our experienced & qualified practitioners provide confidential, supportive and professional counselling and family mediation services, helping people navigate difficulties, improve communication, manage conflict and strengthen emotional wellbeing.
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Psychosexual Counselling Service
respectful and person-centred, ensuring every client feels heard, understood and supported.
MOXY CITY BELFAST: The perfect city escape when you need to press pause
Stylish, welcoming and wonderfully comfortable, Moxy Belfast City proved to be far more than just a place to stay. It became the reset I didn’t realise I needed.
Sometimes, life has a way of reminding us that we all need to stop for a moment.
The past few weeks have been some of the busiest and most emotional I can remember. Losing my granny has been incredibly difficult, while completing my adoption assessment has brought with it a whirlwind of emotions. Add to that the demands of work, deadlines and everyday life, and it quickly became clear that I needed to step away for a night.
Not a long holiday or an extravagant getaway. Just one evening to switch off.
That is exactly what I found at Moxy Belfast City.
For a change, I decided to leave the car at home and travel by train. It is a decision I would recommend to anyone planning a city break. Moxy Belfast City is perfectly positioned within easy walking distance of both Grand Central Station and Lanyon Place Station, making arrival
completely stress free. There was no navigating city traffic, no searching for parking spaces and no rushing. Instead, the journey itself became part of the experience, allowing me to begin unwinding before I had even reached the hotel.
“Sometimes the best escape isn’t far from home. It’s simply finding somewhere that allows you to switch off.”
From the moment I stepped through the doors, it was clear this was going to be far more than an ordinary hotel stay. Every stop had been pulled out to ensure I felt genuinely welcomed, and it quickly became apparent that the team wanted to make my visit one to remember.
Check in was warm, relaxed and effortless, but it was the little touches that immediately stood out. I was welcomed with a beautifully prepared cocktail before even making my way to my room, setting the tone perfectly for the evening ahead. As if that wasn’t enough, I was also handed a
voucher to enjoy another complimentary cocktail at my leisure during my stay, a thoughtful gesture that encouraged me to slow down, settle in and make the most of everything the hotel had to offer.
The hotel’s contemporary design immediately caught my attention. Moxy Belfast City effortlessly combines modern style with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The décor is minimalist without feeling cold, creating spaces that encourage guests to relax rather than simply pass through.
The lobby is much more than a reception area. It is the social heart of the hotel, thoughtfully designed with people in mind. Comfortable seating, communal tables, cosy corners and spaces to read, work, play games or simply enjoy a drink make it somewhere you genuinely want to spend time. Travelling alone can sometimes feel isolating, but Moxy Belfast City creates an atmosphere where solo guests feel just as comfortable as groups of friends or couples.
Opening the door to my room brought another smile. Waiting for me was a wonderful selection of treats including crisps, chocolate, popcorn and a delicious cookie, all waiting to welcome me after my journey. There was also a stylish Moxy Belfast City branded reusable water bottle, a lovely keepsake that I’ll continue to use long after my stay. It was another example of the thoughtful attention to detail that was evident throughout my visit.
The surprises did not stop there. Later in the afternoon there was a knock at the door. James, the Hotel Manager, had personally come to my
room carrying a chilled bottle of Prosecco. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture and one that perfectly summed up the level of hospitality I experienced throughout my stay. Hotels can have beautiful interiors and luxurious rooms, but genuine hospitality comes from people, and James and his team delivered that in abundance.
The room itself continued the hotel’s modern design philosophy. The minimalist décor created a calming environment, while every modern convenience was exactly where it needed to be. The bed was wonderfully comfortable with crisp linens and supportive pillows that promised a great night’s sleep before I had even unpacked.
The bathroom was equally impressive. The rainfall shower was exactly the luxury I needed after an emotional and demanding few weeks. Standing beneath the warm water, I could genuinely feel the stresses of recent weeks beginning to disappear.
That evening for dinner at the hotel once again delivered. I opted for the Pepperoni Pizza, and it was absolutely delicious. The base was beautifully thin and perfectly crisp, while the pepperoni packed just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavours. It was exactly how I like my pizza, simple, full of flavour and cooked to perfection. Paired with a glass of Prosecco, it was comfort food with a sophisticated twist and the perfect way to spend the evening catching up with a good friend.
The atmosphere around us reflected everything Moxy Belfast City is about. Guests chatted over drinks, others relaxed with books, some played
games while others simply enjoyed the vibrant surroundings. It is a hotel that encourages people to connect, unwind and enjoy themselves, creating a welcoming environment that feels relaxed from morning until night.
One of the biggest highlights of my stay was something that cannot be photographed or easily described. It was the quality of sleep.
Returning to my room later that evening, I realised I had completely switched off. There were no emails demanding attention, no endless to do lists running through my mind and no pressure to be anywhere else.
Just peace.
The room was beautifully quiet, the bed exceptionally comfortable and I enjoyed one
“From the warm welcome to one of the best night’s sleep I’ve had in months, MOXY Belfast was exactly the reset I needed.”
of the best night’s sleep I have had in months. Considering everything life has thrown at me recently, that alone was worth its weight in gold.
By
morning, I genuinely felt refreshed.
What impressed me most about Moxy Belfast City was not one individual feature, but how every element of the experience came together so seamlessly. The unbeatable location, stylish interiors, vibrant social spaces, exceptional food, thoughtful personal touches and, above all, the outstanding team combined to create a stay that exceeded every expectation.
Sometimes self care is not about booking a two week holiday or flying to the other side of the world. Sometimes all it takes is one night in the right place with people who genuinely care about making your stay special.
Whether you are visiting Belfast for business, enjoying a theatre break, planning a weekend with friends or simply looking for a night to recharge, Moxy Belfast City is a hotel I cannot recommend highly enough.
I arrived hoping for a comfortable night’s stay. I left feeling rested, recharged and genuinely cared for. For me, that is the true mark of exceptional hospitality.
Location: Just a short walk from both Grand Central Station and Lanyon Place Station, with Belfast City Hall, the Grand Opera House, Victoria Square and many of Belfast’s best restaurants, bars and attractions all within easy walking distance.
GNIMAG Verdict:
From the moment I arrived until the moment I checked out, James and his fantastic team pulled out all the stops to create an unforgettable experience. Stylish, modern, welcoming and incredibly comfortable, Moxy Belfast City offers much more than just a place to sleep. It offers an experience, and one I cannot wait to enjoy again.
Thanks for being so accommodating Daniel May
Check in at the bar, grab your complimentary Got Moxy welcome drink, and let the good times roll. Challenge your friends to a game of foosball, sip signature cocktails at Bar Moxy, or kick back in our vibrant social spaces. Our stylish bedrooms have everything you need and nothing you don’t, making Moxy Belfast City the perfect base to explore Belfast’s buzzing nightlife, live music, shopping and culture.
Gigs, Festivals, Tours and Theatre The Lowdown
By Gary Campion
Mighty Hoopla 2026: Glitter, Gay Chaos and the Pop Party Of Dreams
If there’s one thing I take seriously in life, it’s Mighty Hoopla. This isn’t just a festival, it’s a full-blown, glitter-drenched pilgrimage, and 2026? It delivered! From drag soap operas to sweaty gospel house raves, this year’s line-up was less “schedule” and more “how am I in three places at once?”
We kicked off with Eastbenders, a gloriously chaotic drag reimagining of everyone’s favourite soap. With Natalie Cassidy and Charlie Brooks popping up to a crowd reaction that practically shook Brockwell Park, it was high camp perfection. And remember babes: “what doesn’t kill you makes you Sonia!”
Over on the Hayu Stage, Diana Vickers reminded us exactly why she’s that girl, serving nostalgia, vocals and somehow “All I Want for Christmas Is You”… in peak summer heat. Unhinged? Yes. Did we eat it up? Also yes. Appleton kept the throwback energy going with All Saints hits and a surprise Heidi Range cameo that turned “Round Round” into a full-blown pop fever dream.
Then came the Gospel House Choir DJ set, arguably one of the sweatiest, happiest places on earth. Imagine a packed tent spilling into the sunshine, euphoric house beats and pure queer joy. It was less “watching a set” and more “accidentally joining a spiritual
awakening.” Heather Small proved she’s still a British icon, delivering hit after hit with the kind of crowd control most artists can only dream of. Meanwhile, JLS brought precision pop perfection, tight choreography, live vocals and just the right amount of nostalgia to have everyone screaming like it’s 2008 again.
Let’s not ignore the chaos corner: Boybands in the Buff. Gareth Gates, his fit mates, abs, 90s hits, clothes being rapidly removed… honestly, the name tells you everything you need to know, and yes, it was exactly as ridiculous and joyful as it sounds.
Main stage moments? Perrie had us belting a Little Mix mega mix like rent was due, while Five surprised with a high-energy set that had everyone throwing shapes. And then, the headline moment: Scissor Sisters. Camp dialled up to 100, hit after hit and just when you thought it couldn’t get bigger, Belinda Carlisle casually appeared for “Heaven Is a Place on Earth.” Queer pop excellence, no notes.
Add in Lidl’s ongoing reign as the most camp corporate presence in the UK (yes, really), a sneak peek at the West Ends Lady Marmalade, and even a surprise Trinny and Susannah reunion, and you’ve got a weekend that felt less like a festival and more like stepping inside your gayest, glitteriest fever dream.
Safe to say, I’ve already got my ticket for 2027, the 10th anniversary and trust me, you’ll want to be there too! www.mightyhoopla.com
Dancefloors, Duets & Drama: Your Ultimate Gig Guide
for the months ahead
If your Post Pride calendar isn’t already dangerously overbooked, allow us to fix that immediately.
Let’s start with G Flip, who is basically serving chaotic cult icon energy right now. Two headline nights at London’s Moth Club (30th–31st July) mean sweaty, intimate, “I swear they just looked at me” vibes. Missed out? Don’t panic, Brighton Pride (1st August) has you covered. Honestly, if you’re even slightly a fan, this is your sign to commit. Trio opportunity, anyone?
Now, let’s talk about Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens, aka the underrated queen of outdoor venues. Picture this: lush greenery, sunken garden realness, and just enough space (around 5,000) to feel electric without losing that intimate magic. It’s giving “main stage energy meets secret garden party,” and we are very here for it.
On 16th July, James Morrison and Emeli Sandé join forces for a double-header that is guaranteed to hit you right in the feelings. Think soaring vocals, goosebumps, and at least one moment where you dramatically stare into the distance like you’re in your own music video. Will there be a duet? We’re manifesting it already.
Then, just when you’ve emotionally recovered (or not), Charlie Puth arrives on 19th July with his Whatever’s Clever! tour. Expect hit after hit, slick production, and the kind of chorus moments where everyone suddenly believes they can sing. Spoiler: we cannot, but we will. And for our Belfast babes (and anyone who loves a good excuse for a weekend trip), CMAT is taking over Custom House Square on 31st August and 1st September. Fresh from her new album EURO-COUNTRY, she’s bringing big vocals, bigger personality, and that signature mix of chaos, humour, and heartbreak. Equal parts camp, clever, and completely unmissable. So, what’s the plan? Pick your gig, text the group chat something like “life-changing weekend???” and start planning your outfit immediately (priorities, people). Tickets are available via www.Ticketmaster.ie and all the usual outlets, so no excuses when you’re watching everyone else’s Insta stories wishing you were there.
Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular:
Big Top Energy with Main Character Feelings
If you’re the kind of person who wants their theatre experience to feel less like a polite night out and more like a full-blown event, cocktails, chaos and a touch of glitter, Come Alive! is coming for you in the best way possible.
Set inside a purpose-built big top at London’s Empress Museum, this isn’t your standard “sit down, lights off, behave yourself” theatre experience. From the moment you arrive (and yes, you need to get there early), you’re stepping into a fully immersive circus playground, think roaming performers, face glitter, cocktails, and that giddy “what’s about to happen?” energy that feels suspiciously like the start of a very good night out.
Once you’re seated, the main event kicks in and honestly? It’s a lot….In a good way…. A very good way!! This is The Greatest Showman dialled all the way up: powerhouse live vocals, high-energy choreography, and jaw-dropping acrobatics that had me gripping my seat like I’d accidentally joined the circus myself. And the music? Emotional sabotage. No matter where you stand on The Greatest Showman soundtrack, hearing songs like “This Is Me,” “The Greatest Show” and “Come Alive” performed live hits different, Goosebumps, Tears, Ultimate Joy and Internal Feel Good, The whole package.
What really makes the show land, though, is how slickly it all comes together. The cast made up of serious West End talent alongside next-level circus performers balance spectacle with storytelling, so you’re not just watching impressive stunts, you’re actually invested.
Special shoutout to the ringmaster-led narrative and the journey of Max stepping into their own spotlight, which adds a genuinely uplifting message to all the sequins and spectacle. It’s camp, it’s heartfelt, and it knows exactly what it’s doing.
The verdict? Come Alive! is escapism done properly, big, bold, slightly over-thetop, and completely unashamed about it. Whether you’re a die-hard Greatest Showman fan or just someone who loves a night out that delivers drama, sparkle and a few unexpected emotional punches, this is one to book. www. comealiveshow.com
BIG DAY >>>
Get Married where the Mountains Meet the Sea
Say your vows with the majestic Slieve Foy mountains and the sparkling waters of the Carlingford Lough as the backdrop. Get married where life feels like a dream.
Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford caters from small personal receptions, to lavish weddings. We’re dedicated to each couple, catering to every need, to create a seamless, and unforgettable celebration.
Looking for the ultimate wedding venue? You’ve just found it.
Eamonn Coyle, courtesy of Failte Ireland.
Tell us how you met. Were you single for a long time before you started dating?
We had both been single for quite a while before we met. It was just after lockdown restrictions eased. We actually matched on Tinder after both swiping right, but neither of us ever sent a message.
As fate would have it, Thomas McCorry started a new role in the Health Service, where one of his colleagues, Anne, happened to be a client of Thomas Patterson’s salon. Anne quickly took on the role of Cilla Black, sharing our phone numbers and encouraging us to get in touch.
After a week of gentle persuasion, Thomas McCorry finally took the plunge and sent the first message. A few texts later, our first date was arranged, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.
How long after you started dating did someone pop the question? Was it an immediate yes, and who asked who?
We’d been together for three years before getting engaged.
Thomas McCorry had secretly planned a trip to New York and intended to propose in front of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Looking back, it almost felt like Thomas Patterson somehow knew what was being planned because he kept saying that, if we ever got engaged,
he absolutely didn’t want a big Instagram moment. He wanted it to be private, a complete surprise and just the two of us.
So that’s exactly what happened. Before our December trip, Thomas Patterson came home from work one Saturday in October, and Thomas McCorry proposed in our living room. It was an immediate yes.
Our close friends already knew what was happening, so within an hour of getting engaged, Tom, Gary, Julie and Patricia arrived with bottles of bubbly before everyone gathered at Tom and Gary’s house to celebrate with us. Tell us about the big day. Where did you get married and how many guests joined you?
The big day was simply amazing, without doubt the best day of our lives.
We celebrated our wedding at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Ten Square, Belfast, surrounded by 180 family members and friends who arrived dressed in full Housewives glamour.
The room was filled with love, laughter and style, making the day even more special. Chloe and Mohammed, along with the entire Ten Square team, couldn’t have done any more for us. Their attention to detail and support throughout the day were exceptional.
What about the food and drink?
Ten Square looked after all of our catering, and everything was exceptional.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed beautiful canapés and prosecco before sitting down for what everyone described as an outstanding meal. We honestly couldn’t fault the food.
The drinks flowed all day long, with cocktails, champagne and, of course, the obligatory shots of Tequila Rose keeping everyone in great spirits.
Were there any hiccups, or did everything go to plan?
Thankfully, we honestly didn’t have a single hiccup.
We both had very similar ideas about the type of wedding we wanted, and every one of our suppliers made the planning process feel effortless. Everything came together exactly as we’d imagined.
Have you been, or are you planning, a honeymoon?
Straight after the wedding we enjoyed a little staycation at Galgorm with our baby dog, Simba, who loved every minute of it too.
We booked their minimoon experience, enjoyed some lovely spa treatments and spent quality time together. Our big honeymoon is planned for Thailand in 2027.
What do you both do for work? What interests do you share, and where do you differ?
Thomas McCorry is a senior leader within the Health Service, working in Community Mental Health Services for Older People, while Thomas Patterson owns his own
salon in Dunmurry.
Outside of work, we honestly do almost everything together. Our friendship groups have blended so naturally that it feels like we’ve always known each other.
Most weekends are spent at our caravan in Ballycastle, where we’ve made some incredible lifelong friends. It’s become our happy place, and we love inviting friends from home to join us there.
We’re also happiest when we’re travelling somewhere sunny, especially Gran Canaria. You really can’t beat sunshine, karaoke and drag queens.
Do you do everything together when it comes to socialising and travelling?
Pretty much everything!
We socialise together, holiday together and genuinely enjoy spending as much time together as possible. It’s probably a good thing we work in completely different careers, otherwise we’d likely have ended up working together too!
Do you have children, or is that something you’d like in the future? At the moment we don’t have children.
We’re really enjoying the freedom to travel and are hoping to buy our forever home together within the next year or so.
We’ve certainly not ruled out starting a family one day, but for now it’s not an immediate plan. Between us, our families have plenty of children, and we love spending time with all of them.
Who helped make your wedding day so special? Who would you like to thank and recommend? There are so many incredible people we’d love to thank.
Jenna McCormick – Jenuine Moments captured the day beautifully as our content creator, creating amazing reels we’ll treasure forever.
Jacqueline Nelson was our photographer, and the photographs we’ve received so far have been absolutely stunning.
The Professionals were our wedding
band and completely exceeded our expectations. From Enrique Iglesias’ Hero playing as Thomas Patterson walked down the aisle to James Arthur’s Falling Like the Stars for our first dance, they created the perfect soundtrack to our day and kept everyone dancing all night.
Singers Secreto, our singing waiters, were a massive hit. From Proud Mary to songs from The Greatest Showman, the energy was incredible and the conga lines seemed never ending.
John at The Sugar Rooms created our spectacular wedding cake, and guests are still talking about how beautiful and delicious it was.
Laura Fitzsimons, our Humanist celebrant and lifelong friend, created the most personal and meaningful ceremony imaginable. She took the time to understand our love story and shared it so beautifully with our family and friends.
Charm Wedding Studio, led by Lynsey and her fantastic team, completely transformed Ten Square. Walking into the room for our first look genuinely took our breath away. They brought our vision to life and made the whole process effortless.
Finally, a huge thank you to everyone at Ten Square, who looked after us so incredibly well throughout the day.
Has anything changed since you said “I do”?
The biggest change has been our sense of belonging.
Before getting married, we felt like partners. Since saying “I do”, we genuinely feel like family. Marriage has given us an even greater sense of commitment, pride and appreciation for the life we’ve built together.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Our families have been such an important part of our relationship from the very beginning.
Thomas Patterson’s parents, Tom and Mary, have always been incredibly supportive. We love spending time together, whether it’s family gatherings, weekends away or simply enjoying each other’s company.
Thomas McCorry’s dad, Joe, has also been wonderfully supportive throughout our relationship and was immensely proud on our wedding day.
Sadly, Thomas McCorry’s mum passed away before she had the opportunity to meet Thomas Patterson, something that was always deeply upsetting.
However, after speaking with Thomas Patterson’s late best friend, Nuala’s family, we discovered something extraordinary. Years before we ever met as a couple, Thomas Patterson had actually visited Thomas McCorry’s childhood home with Nuala before a night out and unknowingly met Thomas McCorry’s mum.
Nuala’s mother and Thomas McCorry’s mum had been close friends, making it an incredible full circle moment that we only discovered years later.
It was a beautiful reminder that, perhaps, our paths had crossed long before we realised we were meant to be together.
Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Monaghan:Club,Love in Every Season…
Weddings are a celebration of love, unity, and the start of an exciting new chapter. For couples planning to tie the knot, now is the perfect time to secure your dream wedding with an exclusive offer that makes your special day even more memorable.
With luxurious amenities, stunning surroundings, and personalised service, the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, is the perfect choice for your dream wedding day! Located in the charming town of Monaghan, the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club has been celebrating love and marriage since 1970. This prestigious four-star establishment is renowned for its exceptional service and luxurious amenities, making it the perfect venue for your dream wedding celebration.As a family-run hotel, they are dedicated to providing you and your guests with an unforgettable experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourselves in the charm of Monaghan and Ireland’s Ancient East.
you to infuse your own personal touches, making your special day truly unique and memorable. To ensure a warm Irish welcome for your guests, they will be greeted in the private pre-reception Limewood Suite with refreshing drinks and delectable snacks. They can then relax on plush crushed velvet sofas, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
When it’s time for your wedding feast, the talented chefs will prepare a mouthwatering meal using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This will be accompanied by fine wine and served in the beautifully refurbished Seasons Suite, which can accommodate parties of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations of up to 350 guests.
The hotel also boasts stunning grounds with mature and intimate gardens, providing picturesque locations for capturing your precious wedding moments. These gardens also offer the perfect opportunity to bask in the sun’s rays, should the weather be on your side!
The hotel allows the option to move in the night before your wedding with your wedding party. Granting you the opportunity to start your celebrations as soon as possible and create a sense of anticipation and excitement. The elegant Sakura Suite serves as the ideal backdrop for your ceremony, with its romantic pastel tones and opulent wall panelling. This versatile space allows
by top chefs to impeccable service from dedicated staff. Every aspect of the wedding is carefully coordinated and executed, leaving the couple and their loved ones to simply relax and enjoy the momentous occasion.
To make your wedding planning even sweeter, on offer is an exclusive 10% discount on all new wedding bookings for dates within the next 10-months. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to start planning, this is your sign to say ‘Yes!’ to a beautiful wedding. Because the hotel believes that every love story deserves a grand celebration, they want to make sure that you and your closest loved ones experience a truly unforgettable dining experience on your big day.
To help prolong the celebrations, wedding couples will receive a discounted rate for a selection of comfortable guest rooms. As an added bonus, the wedding
couple will also have complimentary access to the Superior Suite and two additional guest rooms. All accommodation includes full access to the awardwinning Leisure Club and a wholesome full Irish breakfast.
Beyond the stunning aesthetics, the team takes care of the finer details, from exquisite menus crafted
Priding themselves on offering exclusivity, ensuring that only one wedding per day is hosted. This means that your wedding will receive their full attention, care, and dedication, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment without distractions. The team’s dedication and attention to detail have earned them a reputation as one of the leading wedding venues in the industry, with countless happy couples and their guests raving about their experience. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for creating unforgettable memories, the team continues to exceed expectations and set the standard for lavish weddings; Reflected by the awards accredited to the team and venue. Whether it’s a classic and elegant affair or a modern and chic celebration, the team will go above and beyond to make every couple’s dream wedding a reality. So, if you’re looking for a truly exceptional wedding experience, look no further than the iconic Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan, and its dedicated team of professionals. They will not only meet but exceed your expectations, making your special day a truly unforgettable one.
Secure your wedding today and take advantage of these limited time offers available. Contact a member of the wedding team today on weddings@4seasonshotel.ie or +353 (0)47 81 888 to arrange your private or virtual viewing.
Visit the website today: www.4seasonshotel.ie
Thomas’ Artisan Cakes
Bespoke Wedding Cakes for Every Love Story
FB: thomasArtisanCakes
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Elegant, handcrafted wedding cakes designed for couples across Northern Ireland.
Complimentary cake tasting when you book your wedding cake
Delivery and setup throughout Northern Ireland
“Creating beautiful cakes for all couples”
theoneilove.ie
Lorren: (+353) 086 330 7410
Ballinlough Village, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, F45 HP08
The Merchant Hotel
Situated in the historic heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, The Merchant Hotel provides the grandeur of a stately home with the convenience of a city centre location.
The timeless elegance of both the Victorian and Deco wings of The Merchant Hotel are complemented by all of the contemporary facilities you would expect from a five-star hotel.
We have 63 sumptuous bedrooms, three fabulous restaurants –from fine dining to relaxed and cosy; a luxurious spa and a host of options for a tipple or two. We also offer a wealth of diverse locations for photography to capture the magic of your big day.
The Merchant Hotel is dedicated to offering sumptuous luxury and exceptional service, both of which we combine into stunning and unforgettable weddings. Yours will be the only wedding celebration in the hotel so our focus is solely on your needs and on creating your perfect day. Our wedding specialists bring a wealth of experience and the utmost care to the planning of your wedding day.
Please feel free to call us on 028 9026 2717 or email us at weddings@themerchanthotel.com to discuss your dream day.
@themerchanthotel www.themerchanthotel.com
Tell us how you met. Were you single for a long time before you started dating?
We met in Ballsbridge College in 2015 while studying Law and Criminology.
Hayley had never been in a relationship before meeting Nicole, while Nicole had completely sworn off relationships by the time they met. Hayley was still in the closet at the time but got the feeling that Nicole was gay.
We started out as friends, although Nicole admits she always fancied Hayley. After one drunken kiss on a night out, we went on our first proper date about a week later. We kept our relationship a secret for around two months before Hayley came out to her family.
How long after you started dating did someone pop the question? Was it an immediate yes, and who asked who? We got engaged in October 2021, seven years after our first kiss
Nicole proposed to Hayley because Hayley had been the one to ask Nicole to be her girlfriend back in 2015, so it had always been agreed that Nicole would be the one to ask the big question.
It was an immediate yes!
Tell us about the big day. Where did you get married and how many guests joined you?
We got married on 27 October 2023 at the Westgrove Hotel in Clane, County Kildare, surrounded by 120 of our family and friends.
We each had four bridesmaids, meaning our entire top table was made up of women, which we absolutely loved.
One of the main reasons we chose the venue was because the ceremony room allowed for two aisles. That meant we both got to enjoy the special moment of walking down the aisle before meeting each other in the middle. It couldn’t have been more
perfect.
What about the food and drink?
The food and drink were absolutely amazing.
People still talk about the food from our wedding. Guests enjoyed delicious canapés during the drinks reception, followed by a fantastic five course meal and plenty of evening food too. Nobody went home hungry!
Were there any hiccups, or did everything go to plan?
As far as we’re aware, there weren’t any hiccups at all!
If anything did go wrong, we certainly didn’t notice. Everything ran so smoothly, and we genuinely loved every second of our wedding day.
Have you been, or are you planning, a honeymoon?
We’ve already had our honeymoon, and it was the perfect combination.
We spent three nights in New York before flying to Cancún, Mexico, for seven nights. We loved the contrast between the excitement and energy of New York and the complete relaxation of Mexico. The margaritas definitely deserve a special mention too!
What do you both do for work? What interests do you share, and where do you differ?
Nicole works in Law, while Hayley works in the Prison Service.
One of our favourite things to do together is watch cooking shows. Hayley has always been a huge musical theatre and Broadway fan and has definitely converted Nicole over the years.
Hayley also loves reading, especially easy reads like Colleen Hoover novels, and enjoys playing PlayStation in her spare time.
Nicole is a big fan of true crime documentaries and podcasts.
One thing we definitely have in common is our love of travelling and exploring new places together.
Do you do everything together when it comes to socialising and travelling? Pretty much!
We’re genuinely best friends, so we spend most of our time together, whether that’s socialising, travelling or just relaxing at home. Of course, we both appreciate having a little time to ourselves now and then, but most of the time we’re happiest together.
Do you have children, or is that something you’d like in the future?
We don’t have children yet, but it’s definitely something we see in our future.
If Hayley had her way, we’d probably have a baby already! For now, though, we’re excited about everything that’s still to come.
Who helped make your wedding day so special? Who would you like to thank and recommend?
There are so many people we’d love to thank for making our day unforgettable.
Our wedding coordinator, Lorna, was absolutely amazing. We clicked with her straight away, and she made the whole planning process feel so easy.
We both found our dresses at O’Brien’s Bridal and had an incredible experience there. We even managed to keep our dresses a complete surprise from one another until the big day.
Our band, 52nd Street, were fantastic. They kept the dance floor full all night with music that appealed to every generation.
Has anything changed since you said “I do”? Not a huge amount has changed, to be honest. We’re still just as in love as we’ve always been.
The biggest difference is that we’re now beginning another exciting chapter together as we’re currently in the process of buying our first home. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Seaviews, Sass & Seriously Good Sleep: Checking Into Elephant Rock
Think bold Art Deco flair, knockout coastal views and a team that remembers your name (and your cocktail order) this Portrush stay is equal parts glam, comfort and craic.
Review By Gary Campion
You know those hotels that promise a “luxury coastal escape” and then quietly under-deliver? Elephant Rock is not that hotel. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this place has personality in spades where bold design meets knockout sea views and the welcome feels more like catching up with old friends than checking in. Add a cocktail (or two), a bed you won’t want to leave and the gentle rhythm of Atlantic waves, and suddenly your “quick night away” becomes something a lot harder to check out of.
There are hotel stays you enjoy and then there are the ones that ruin other hotels for you. Elephant Rock firmly falls into the latter. Having already been obsessed with their restaurant earlier this year, expectations were… high. Somewhere between “coastal chic getaway” and “don’t you dare disappoint me.” Thankfully, it delivered and then some.
Perched proudly on Ramore Head, this Portrush gem is the kind of place that forces you to pause mid-sentence just to admire the view. Out front, the Atlantic stretches endlessly, it’s dramatic, it’s cinematic, and honestly, it could sell the hotel on its own. But step inside, and you realise the interiors are more than ready to compete.
The name itself comes from a striking basalt rock formation along the Causeway Coast an arch that uncannily resembles an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea. It’s a lovely nod to the surrounding landscape, grounding the experience in something distinctly Northern Irish while adding a touch of storytelling charm.
Inside, the aesthetic flips from rugged coastline to retro glamour in seconds. Think bold, playful and just the right amount of dramatic. Each room feels like its own personality mid-century déco meets maximalist flair, with no fear of colour. Upholstered headboards, statement wall panels, intricate patterns and lush botanical touches combine in a way that somehow feels both curated and carefree. The palette dances between leafy greens, zingy lime, dusky twilight tones and soft ice-cream pastels. It’s a vibe and a very confident one!
Our executive sea-view room was everything you want from a coastal stay and then some. The king-size bed, wrapped in crisp Egyptian cotton, was dangerously comfortable the kind that makes you consider cancelling plans and embracing a full “do not disturb” lifestyle. Floor-to-ceiling windows delivered uninterrupted views across the Atlantic towards the Giant’s Causeway, Velvet curtains, soft sheers and layered textures gave the whole space a cocooning, indulgent feel.
Then come the details, the quiet little luxuries that take things up a notch. A Lavazza coffee machine (thank you), mini fridge, complimentary bottled water, robes, slippers, smart TV… everything you’d expect and then a little bit more. It’s the kind of setup that makes staying in feel like the best decision you’ve ever made, especially with room service ready and waiting. The bathroom didn’t miss a beat either. Spacious, sleek and beautifully finished, it came complete with both bath and separate shower, plus FieldDay vegan toiletries that felt like a proper treat. It’s those thoughtful, locally minded touches that elevate the experience from “very nice” to “we’ve thought of everything.”
Of course, no hotel earns loyalty on good looks alone. As I always say, you’re only ever as good as your staff and Elephant Rock absolutely gets that right. Check-in was effortless, warm and genuinely friendly, with staff remembering us from a previous visit. It’s such a small thing, but it makes a huge difference. Suddenly you’re not just another booking, you’re a returning guest.
Lunch gave us a chance to revisit the restaurant, where Tyler, the restaurant manager, was an absolute standout. Friendly, attentive and impressively knowledgeable about allergens, he made navigating a gluten-free menu completely stress-free for our guest. The food? Worth every bite. We shared a selection of small plates, tucked into a generous freshly baked scone (comfort food at its finest) and ordered what can only be described as elite-level hot chocolate, rich, creamy and exactly what was needed on a blustery Portrush afternoon. Quick tip: it’s made using Cocoa Canopy, and yes, you need to order it.
Then there’s Adam at the bar, someone who not only remembers your face but seems to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of cocktails and impeccable timing when it comes to a bit of chat. Whether you want a classic or something more adventurous, he delivers with flair. That effortless mix of professionalism and personality runs right through the team. There’s a genuine sense that everyone enjoys being there, and it shows in the atmosphere. There was a lively mix of guests during our stay, including a full coach of European travellers but the hotel never felt chaotic. Instead, it was buzzing in the best possible way. Credit to Charlotte, Joanne and the wider team, who have created something that feels boutique, personal and genuinely welcoming, qualities that can be hard to find in larger hotel chains.
And just when you think you’ve seen everything, along comes Vi’s. This covered terrace space is a riot of greenery, colour and good energy, a perfect spot for drinks, casual dining or just soaking up the vibe. It’s bright, playful and effortlessly stylish without trying too hard. Vi’s also doubles as a social hub, hosting everything from make-up masterclasses to wine tastings and live music. It’s available for private events too; flexible, fun and full of personality, it fits perfectly with the rest of the hotel.
Then came breakfast and thankfully, it delivered just as strongly. My guest went traditional with a full Ulster fry: homemade soda bread, potato bread, bacon, sausage, eggs, the works, hearty and exactly what you want to set you up for the day. I, on the other hand, took the sweeter route. The French toast was thick-cut brioche perfection, topped with poached seasonal fruit, mascarpone and a crumble finish that added just the right crunch. It was indulgent, comforting and dangerously easy to finish.
So, would I stay again? Absolutely. Elephant Rock isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a place you settle into, show off about and quietly plan your return to before you’ve even checked out. It’s stylish without trying too hard, luxurious without the attitude, and full of personality in all the right ways.
Whether you’re there for the views, the food, the cocktails or just an unapologetically good night’s sleep, one thing’s certain…..you’ll leave refreshed, slightly smug, and already wondering when you can book back in.
Hot Hits & Celeb Bits
Gary Campion
I’ll keep my intro short and sweet as there is so much to squeeze into this PRIDE column. Happy Pride, Have fun, stay safe and remember….music holds the answers for most things!
Gary x
Album review...
Myles Smith
My Mess, My Hear, My Life Out Now
If Pride playlists had a therapy session midway through the dancefloor, Myles Smith would be running it clipboard in one hand, pint in the other, and absolutely no judgement. This debut album is equal parts group hug, emotional gut-punch, and “text your ex… but maybe don’t” energy. In short, bring tissues, but make it fashion.
Let’s be clear this is not a casual listen. This is an I’ve lit a candle and I’m about to feel everything I’ve ever suppressed listen. Smith has taken five years’ worth of therapy notes and turned them into a record that’s candid to the point of audacity. Songs like “Sertraline” don’t just nod at mental health, they pull up a chair, pour you a drink, and say, “Right, bestie, let’s unpack that.” And honestly? We love a man in touch with his feelings. It’s Pride, emotional availability is hotter than abs.
Musically, we’re deep in big-chorus, arms-aloft territory. Think stomp-and-clap folk-pop that practically insists you scream it at a stranger in a beer garden by the second chorus. The hits “Stargazing,” “Nice To Meet You,” and the frankly irresistible “Stay (If You Wanna Dance)” are polished, catchy, and about as subtle as a glitter
Top 5 PRIDE TRACKS For 2026
MADONNA LOVE SENSATION
You can’t have a pride top 10 and not include a Madonna song. She may be 67 but she is still serving the looks, delivering the sounds and always supporting our community!
GAGA,
Pure runway chaos in the best way. Those beats strut, pout, and walk like it absolutely owns the club.
ALESSO, ONE REPUBLIC IN YOUR EYES
A euphoric high energy track that builds, bursts and takes over, made for floats, dancefloors and shouting along like you absolutely own it!
cannon at a brunch drag show. You will belt these out. You will assign them to scenarios that absolutely did not happen. That situationship? Suddenly Oscar-worthy.
But here’s where he flips the script, it’s the quieter songs that do the real emotional damage. “My Mess” and “Grandma’s Place” strip things right back, swapping festival euphoria for something far more intimate and quietly devastating. It’s less “main stage at sunset,” more “staring out of a train window wondering if you’ve grown as a person.” That said, there are moments where Smith plays it a little safe. Occasionally you’re thinking, “Go on, babes, give us a plot twist!” and instead he gives you a beautifully crafted, radio-ready chorus. Not a crime, just… predictable in a comforting, oat-milk-latte kind of way. And honestly, not everything needs to reinvent the wheel; sometimes you just want a very good wheel with great emotional branding.
At its core, My Mess, My Heart, My Life is about owning every chaotic, complicated, gloriously imperfect part of yourself and what could be more Pride than that? It’s messy, it’s sincere, and it absolutely will make you Feel Things. Come for the anthems, stay for the emotional unpacking, leave questioning at least one life choice but in a cute, growth-oriented way.
REXHA, DAVID GUETTA SAD GIRLS
Who doesn’t love a good dance-pop track about crying on the dancefloor and refusing to leave until the lights come on…..we’ve all been there at least once!
An unexpected, modern house curveball from Sanchez album Spectrum. It pairs her dynamic, powerful vocals with a bouncy, mid-90s house groove, delivering a fresh club crossover with a slightly darker, underground twist.
LADY
DOECHII RUNWAY
BEBE
ROGER SANCHEZ, MELANIE C: DON’T WANNA KNOW
New album news...
Let’s be honest: by the time Pride rolls around, I’ve already planned at least three personality rebrands, built a highly niche playlist for each, and decided this is finally the summer I sort my life out. (Reader, it is not.) Thankfully, the music is doing the heavy lifting because these three album drops are about to carry us from dancefloor chaos to full-blown emotional introspection… sometimes within the same night.
Gracie Abrams: Daughter from Hell Out 17th July
This already feels like it’s about to soundtrack every overthought text you’ve ever typed and deleted. Written with Aaron Dessner, it’s shaping up to be raw, reflective, and just a little bit chaotic (but devastating in a cool way). After the success of her last album, she’s stepping into a new era that feels sharper and more self-assured, but still very much in her feelings. “Hit the Wall” hints at that tipping point we all pretend we haven’t reached… while very much having reached it. Perfect for when you want to spiral, but with excellent lighting and a strong aesthetic.
Sam Smith: Hazel Eyes Out 21st August
Then comes Sam Smith’s softer, more romantic moment and yes, I will be listening to this while staring wistfully out of windows like I’m in a music video. Written over three years with a close group of collaborators, it promises something deeply personal and reflective. Framed as a love letter to New York, this feels like the emotional comedown album, the one you put on when the party’s over but your feelings are just getting started. The audio equivalent of a “hope you got home safe” text you read three times.
Becky Hill: REBECCA Out 25th September
Becky Hill doesn’t just enter the chat, she kicks the door open and demands the aux. The lead single “More! More! More!” is all pounding beats and pent-up frustration, basically capturing that feeling of doing too much but somehow still wanting… more. What I love is how self-aware it all feels. Becky’s leaning into the chaos, ambition, burnout, confidence, insecurity all spun into something you can actually dance through. And with hints of grittier, alternative sounds creeping in, this isn’t just straightup club pop, it’s club pop with a bit of an edge. This is what happens when burnout gets a glittery remix and a BPM of 130.
Three albums, three moods: dance, spiral, heal, repeat. Basically, Pride in playlist form. Pick your era, press play, and make it iconic.
My Top 5 Hits on Repeat: What I have been listening to the most since our last issue
Delta Goodrem: Eclipse Robbed at Eurovision?
Absolutely. I’ll die on that glittery hill. Since Austria, this has been on loop like Delta personally pays my Spotify bill.
Taylor Swift: I knew It, I knew You Taken from Toy Story 5, Cowgirl Swift rides again, serving feelings, nostalgia, and just enough yee-haw to make it Pride-playlist approved.
Blossoms: Meet Me In Love
A disco kissed indie pop moment that shimmers, struts, and flirts its way through glossy synths and loved up chaos, pure summer energy, and dangerously easy to keep on repeat.
Sombr: My body isn’t ready
A vulnerable, anthemic moment that bares it all raw, reflective and just dramatic enough to have you wine in hand, overthinking your entire life.
Hudson Stone: Over Thinker
His debut single, he’s been playing guitar since he was 5 and it shows on this catchy track. Give the single a spin and you’ll see why it’s on my current top 5.
PETER
Every June, the rainbows come out! They’re plastered on tshirts, makeup packaging, supermarket meal deals (i’m looking at you M&S LGBT sandwich) and in the Interior world- a vase or two. Somewhere, a marketing team has decided that a tiny ceramic rainbow vase incapable of actually displaying a decent bunch of flowers is exactly what the queer community have been crying out for (when what we want is equality), and every year I find myself asking the same question: is this Pride? or is it just good merchandising? (and by good, i mean greedy.)
Don’t get me wrong. Visibility matters.
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or
Seeing support from major brands can genuinely make a difference, especially for someone who might not feel accepted where they live, but I also think Pride has become confused with performance. Somewhere between the tidal wave of brands adding a rainbow to their logo for 30 days and the “limited edition” rainbow collections, we get swept away and forget that Pride isn’t really about products at all. It’s about people. People who are proud simply for existing.
It almost sounds ridiculous when you say it out loud. Surely existing should be the easiest thing in the world? But for many queer people, simply being yourself hasn’t always been straightforward. Whether it’s coming out, feeling accepted by family, navigating workplaces or just holding your partner’s hand in public without thinking of the dangers, there are moments that remind you not everyone gets to ‘exist’ the same.
I’m proud. Not because I’m anything fantastic, but because i’m at a point now in my life where i don’t say the word “gay” any quieter than the rest of my vocabulary, i don’t mind if someone sees my stomach under my cropped tshirt and i kiss my partner goodbye on the doorstep of our home. Im proud that im living my life for me.
Maybe that’s why as i grow older i love interior design more and more. People often mistakenly assume decorating is about making your home look beautiful for other people. It’s not. It’s about creating a home YOU love and finally creating a place where nobody else’s irrelevant opinion gets a vote that affects your life. You choose the colour. You choose the art. You choose whether maximalism is your love language or whether you’d rather live in fifty shades of greige (I won’t judge)…
(ok, i will).
The point i’m making is that whether people realise it or not, every home you decorate for yourself isn’t just about interiors.. It’s also about identity.
I often think the most interesting homes aren’t the ones that perfectly recreate whatever’s currently trending on Pinterest. They’re homes where you can immediately tell the identity of the person who lives there and has made hundreds of tiny decisions based on personal joy
rather than approval. That’s something the LGBTQ+ community understands instinctively. There’s a freedom that comes after spending so much of your life wondering whether you’re too much, too loud, too different or somehow not enough, there comes a point where decorating becomes surprisingly liberating. You stop asking what your house should look like and start asking what makes you feel at home.
Maybe it’s displaying wedding photos that years ago you weren’t sure you’d ever get to take, home becomes the one place where you don’t have to explain yourself.
Which brings me back to those rainbow vases. I personally don’t love them, but if you have one, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. If buying one makes someone smile- brilliant! But I hope companies understand that supporting LGBTQ+ people doesn’t begin and end with a seasonal collection. Support isn’t changing your logo on the first of June before quietly changing it back on the first of July, It’s creating workplaces where queer employees feel safe all year round. It’s donating to organisations that do the important work. It’s standing by your values even when they stop being commercially convenient. I’ve personally noticed a decline in many companies efforts to support our
community, which saddens me. Are they trying not to upset the Karens? or does Pride support affect sales? If your commitment to inclusion disappears the moment it affects your profits, it probably wasn’t inclusion in the first place.
As consumers, we’re getting better at spotting the difference. We don’t expect companies to get it right and support us across the board, the world hasn’t come that far, but we do recognise authenticity when we see it. Maybe that’s true of interiors as well. The homes I remember aren’t the immaculate ones. They’re the ones that tell the truth about the people living inside them. They’re layered, imperfect, collected over time. Just like us.
Perhaps that’s what Pride really looks like in a home. Not necessarily a rainbow flag in every room (although if that’s your style, go for it) but a space that allows you to exhale in truth. Somewhere that reflects your story instead of somebody else’s expectations. Because the greatest luxury in any home isn’t marble worktops or designer furniture. It’s feeling completely, unapologetically yourself the moment you walk through your front door. And that, to me, feels like something worth celebrating every month of the year.
Five fantastic lunchtime locations Gourmet
In this issue, we’d love to share some of our favourite restaurants, bars and cafés serving great lunchtime dishes in and around the city, perfect for grabbing a little bit of something tasty during Pride season!
2 Taps, Belfast.
Boasting one of the city’s largest outdoor terraces, 2Taps Winebar & Restaurant in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is, without doubt, a GNI favourite! Creating the atmosphere of summer all year round, we love the warm welcome, Mediterranean vibes, and delicious sharing plates.
We began with a selection of breads with olives, salsa verde, pickles, tapenade, and dipping oils and Pimientos del Padrón with sea salt and lime.
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
From the Seafood section, we loved the Mussels in White Wine Cream with shaved fennel and crusty bread, and the Gambas Pil Pil: a classic Spanish favourite, with chilli oil and toasted sourdough
These were followed by some dishes from the veggie menu; Goat’s
with beetroot, pickled red onion, and candied walnuts, Halloumi Fries with truffle honey, and of course, it’s not a tapas meal without some Patatas Bravas with piquant bravas sauce, pickled chillies, and aioli.
And naturally, we had to have the 2Taps House Paella: the Chef’s mix of land and sea, in a delicious saffron rice. All accompanied by a glass of Sangria or two, this was a lovely sharing-style meal with the GNI family.
2Taps: continuing to bring fabulous culinary Spanish spirit to Belfast.
Bootleggers, Belfast.
Bootleggers is at the corner of Church Lane and Ann St in Belfast’s City Centre, and is a great spot for a few drinks and a bite to eat. With a nod to the days of 1920s Prohibition, when alcohol was outlawed in the States, there’s a great drinks list with quirky cocktails, local and American craft beer, and of course, Moonshine!
2 TAPS, BELFAST
Food is served every day, from lunchtime until the evening, with great burgers, tacos, chicken wings, sides, and desserts on the street food-style menu.
We took full advantage of “Taco Tuesdays”, when all tacos and margaritas are £10 all day, and we loved the two veggie taco options; “My Big Fat Greek Taco”, with halloumi, fajita grilled vegetables, spring onions, and creamy tzatziki, and the “Crispy Cauliflower” with corn salsa, vegan sweet chilli mayo, coriander, and lettuce.
We also had some excellent sides; the Mozzarella Sticks were oozy, spectacularly stringy, and came with a tomato dip, and the Millionaire Tater Tots were drizzled with a truffle oil mayo, and a sprinkling of parmesan and chives.
Bootleggers has some great value deals on other days too, including Margarita Mondays, and Wing Wednesdays.
Bread Boys, Belfast.
A new sandwich shop experience has arrived in Belfast. But this is no ordinary sarnie counter, serving meagre fillings on bland white bread: Bread Boys on the Ormeau Rd is simply sensational, and has reimagined the humble sandwich, making it into something pretty special indeed.
With a turntable pumping out cracking disco hits to entertain you while you peruse the menu and put in your order, (there can be a bit of a wait at busy times, but trust us, it’s worth it!) and
a great selection of “Boys”, beverages, and buns to choose from, Bread Boys immediately elevates the takeaway sandwich venue to another level.
We ordered the “G.O.A.T.Boy”, with creamy, whipped goat’s cheese, soft japanese omelette, spiced beetroot slaw, & walnut pesto, and the piquant “Spice Boy”, with tender spice bag crispy chicken, an oozy fried egg, asian slaw, Sriracha mayo, & sesame, both in toasted brioche.
The sandwiches were incredible; packed to overflowing with delicious, flavourful fillings, and were fantastic value for money. We also loved the fiery “Seasoned Fries”, and the Signature Iced Drinks; we had the “Tiramisu” and the “Ruby Chocolate”, which were a cooling delight in this warm weather, and brilliant when accompanied by the sweet cookies, pastries, and traybakes available.
Bread Boys has also recently introduced a terrific new plantbased sandwich option, stuffed with vegan stracciatella, miso mushrooms, and charred leeks.
And chatting to some of the already regular customers who were huge fans of the “Breakfast Boy” options, we’ll definitely be back to give those a go. Bread Boys: your local sandwich slingers!
General Merchants, East Belfast.
With three great restaurants to choose from across the city, on the Antrim Rd, Ormeau Rd, and the original Upper Newtownards Rd branch, General Merchants has a fantastic summertime menu with some light, refreshing options.
We called into our local General Merchants for a spot of brunch, and enjoyed a couple of glasses of Green Zest Iced Tea to accompany our dishes of “Harissa-La Vista Baby”; toasted Zac’s bakehouse sourdough topped with crushed falafel, roasted summer squash, pickled carrot, poached eggs, harissa yoghurt, seeds, and cress, and “In Tomato We Truss”; juicy heritage tomatoes surrounding a creamy ball of burrata, with toasted garlic focaccia, spiced almonds, sherry vinaigrette, chives, and bitter leaves.
General Merchants: always busy, with a loyal clientele, and
often queued out the door. And it’s not difficult to see why with such delicious dishes on offer. Keep an eye out for late night weekend opening at General Merchants Ormeau Rd, for a great mix of plates and drinks.
Revolución de Cuba, Belfast.
Set in an iconic listed Art Nouveau building in Belfast’s city centre, Revolución de Cuba serves food and drink in a relaxed Havana-inspired space, with a menu to match.
With its Latin flavours, fresh tapas and an impressive selection of rums and tequilas, Revolución de Cuba is renowned for its mezzanine views, great cocktails, live entertainment, and South American rhythms.
And recently, the bar has introduced a brilliant Tapas Deal. From the authentic “Latin soul food” Tapas Menu, you can order any three dishes for only £15, and add a Margarita or a Paloma for just a fiver.
We went for the Gambas Pil Pil: juicy king prawns sautéed with garlic, chilli and smoked paprika, served with bread for dipping, the Calamari which was deliciously tender and came
BREAD BOYS, BELFAST
with a garlic aioli, and some Charred Halloumi on a piquant chilli jam with roasted peppers, sweet potatoes and courgettes.
No tapas selection would be complete without a portion of smoky Patatas Bravas topped with spicy tomato sauce and aioli, and we also shared some Birria Tacos: two grilled tortillas filled with melted cheese and topped with pico de gallo-we chose the veggie version of Cajun mushrooms and a jerk gravy for dipping. And the Nachos, topped with
cheese sauce, homemade guacamole, sour cream, tomato salsa, and jalapeños, can be served “loaded” with either slow-cooked pulled beef, or a meat-free three bean chilli.
All in all, this Cuban-style “small plates” deal was exceptional value for money, and pretty tasty, to boot!
If you have any restaurant recommendations send us a message & we’ll get right back to you.
REVOLUCION DE CUBA, BELFAST
dr bryan
Skincare Simplified; My Routine As A Dermatologist
People often tell me I have great skin. Whilst I always appreciate the compliment, the next question is nearly always the same: “What’s your skincare routine?”
For this Pride edition, I thought I would do something a little different and talk all about me, my own skin journey, what I use, what I’ve stopped using, and a few skincare mistakes along the way that prove even dermatologists don’t always get it right.
The truth is, my relationship with my skin hasn’t always been straightforward. As a teenager, I struggled with oily skin and acne. It arrived at exactly the wrong time: during a period of transition at school, exams looming, hormones changing, and all the usual challenges that come with adolescence. Like many teenagers, my confidence took a knock. I became obsessed with my spots and developed a terrible habit of picking and squeezing them. Looking back now as a dermatologist, I know just how damaging that can be. At the time, however, I was convinced that if I could just squeeze one more spot, I’d somehow improve things. Unsurprisingly, I usually made them worse.
Perhaps those experiences ultimately helped steer me towards dermatology as a career. When I was 14, my parents arranged for me to see a dermatologist. I was prescribed a course of isotretinoin, better known by many people as Roaccutane or Accutane. I can still vividly remember the side effects. The dry lips were relentless and my skin felt tight and uncomfortable for months. However, after around five or six months of treatment, my acne settled dramatically.
Since then, I’ve largely only had the occasional breakout. I still naturally have oily skin, but over the years I’ve learned how to manage it effectively without overcomplicating things.
And that brings me to one of my skincare philosophies: Simple is best. I have a busy job, a busy life and, if I’m honest, not a huge amount of patience for 12-step skincare routines. I need something that works without taking over my morning and evening.
My Morning Routine
I always start with cleansing. Importantly, I don’t use soap on my face. Traditional soaps can be quite stripping and often leave skin feeling tight and irritated. Instead, I use a hydrating cleanser.
Recently I’ve started using one containing niacinamide, and I genuinely feel it gives my skin a brighter, fresher appearance. Occasionally I’ll even leave it on for five minutes like a mini mask while I get organised for the day. It feels like a small luxury and my skin certainly seems to appreciate it.
Three times a week, I also use a chemical exfoliator from my own BPM Skincare range. It contains glycolic acid and salicylic acid, which are two ingredients I frequently recommend to patients with oily or congested skin.
I leave it on for around three minutes after cleansing while I brush my teeth before rinsing it off.
The benefits are noticeable. It helps reduce excess oil, lifts away dead skin cells and keeps my pores looking clearer. One of the biggest improvements I’ve noticed is around my nose, where it helps minimise sebaceous filaments. I love that clean, fresh appearance.
What I particularly like about chemical exfoliation is that it avoids the need for harsh scrubbing particles or plastic exfoliating beads. As someone who is passionate about protecting marine wildlife, I’m much happier knowing I’m not washing unnecessary microplastics down the drain.
Next comes eye care. I have several lifestyle habits working against me here. I sleep on my front, drink far too much coffee and don’t always achieve the perfect amount of sleep. The result? Puffiness around my eyes.
The final and most important step is moisturiser with SPF 50. If there is one skincare product I would never be without, it’s sunscreen.
People often assume dermatologists only use expensive luxury brands, but that’s really not true. Some of my favourites come from brands such as Eucerin and CeraVe. Equally, when I’m heading off on holiday, you’ll often find me using own-brand SPF from Boots or Tesco.
Good sunscreen doesn’t have to be expensive. The key is finding one you’ll actually use consistently.
My Shaving Routine
Shaving deserves its own section because it has certainly been a learning experience.
I typically shave every second or third day. If I shave more frequently, I often develop pseudofolliculitis — those irritating razor bumps and inflamed ingrown hairs that commonly appear on the neck.
When my partner and I are away on our cruise holidays, one of my favourite treats is the Elemis men’s shave experience. There is something incredibly relaxing about having someone else do all the work with a traditional blade. My skin always seems to glow afterwards.
At home, however, I stick to the basics.
I always cleanse first using warm water to soften the hairs and help them stand up slightly, making shaving easier and reducing irritation.
One lesson I’ve learned repeatedly is to change razor blades regularly. Whenever I’ve tried to stretch an extra few shaves out of an old blade, I inevitably end up with ingrown hairs, spots and irritation.
Moisturiser immediately after shaving is another non-negotiable step for me.
My Night-Time Routine
My evening routine is intentionally simple. By bedtime, I’m usually exhausted and the last thing I want is a complicated skincare ritual.
I cleanse my face and, if my skin feels dry, I’ll apply moisturiser. That’s it. Simple.
I go through phases with retinoids, particularly tretinoin. Whenever I use it consistently, I absolutely notice a difference. My skin feels smoother, firmer and generally looks healthier.
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
To combat this, I use a L’Oréal Men eye gel containing vitamin C and caffeine. It’s cooling, refreshing and helps me look a little less like I’ve been answering emails until midnight.
The challenge isn’t whether it works. The challenge is remembering to use it consistently.
Like many people, I can be very enthusiastic for a few weeks
before life gets busy and the habit quietly disappears. It’s a reminder that the best skincare routine is one you can realistically maintain.
The “Tweakments”
As a dermatologist, I have access to many treatments and, yes, I’ve tried a few over the years. I’ve had antiwrinkle injections in the classic three areas: between the eyebrows, across the forehead and around the crow’s feet.
I have an extremely expressive face and move my facial muscles constantly. Combine that with regular exercise, particularly jogging, and I’ve always felt my results don’t quite last the full three months people often talk about.
However, they do help soften the lines that bother me most — particularly my “elevenses”, those vertical lines between the eyebrows.
And before anyone asks, no, I don’t perform my own treatments!
I’ve also tried polynucleotide treatments around my eyes and have had various skin peels. Both offered noticeable improvements in skin texture, brightness and overall quality. However, having experienced them myself, I completely understand why patients sometimes describe aesthetic treatments as a journey rather than a destination.
Maintenance matters. The results can be excellent, but ongoing treatments are usually required to sustain those improvements.
At Cathedral Dermatology Clinic, we also have Dermalux Tri-Wave light therapy. I’ve enjoyed the occasional lunchtime session myself.
It’s incredibly relaxing and has applications across a wide range of both medical and aesthetic skin concerns. Plus, lying quietly for twenty minutes during a busy clinic day is never a bad thing.
What I’ve Stopped Doing
Over the years I’ve also stopped doing plenty of things.
I’ve stopped chasing every skincare trend that appears on social media.
I’ve stopped believing that more products automatically equals better skin.
I’ve stopped aggressively scrubbing oily skin in an attempt to “dry it out”.
And perhaps most importantly, I’ve stopped squeezing
spots. Resist the temptation!
My Biggest Skincare Faux Pas
Even dermatologists make mistakes. Some of mine have been memorable.
Forgetting to stop tretinoin before an eyebrow wax
This was entirely self-inflicted. Anyone familiar with retinoids knows they can increase skin sensitivity and make the upper layers of skin more fragile.
Unfortunately, I forgot to stop my tretinoin seven days before an eyebrow wax appointment. Let’s just say the experience was educational and uncomfortable.
The hotel moisturiser disaster
While travelling, I once forgot my usual post-shave moisturiser. In a hurry to get out the door, I reached for the complimentary hotel moisturiser instead. Big mistake.
Within a short period of time my face became intensely red and irritated. By breakfast, I looked considerably more flushed, almost sunburnt-like, and more than any dermatologist should ever look. A trip to the local pharmacy for some steroid cream quickly followed.
Lesson learned: just because a product is labelled as a moisturiser doesn’t mean your skin will agree with it.
Destroying an expensive sunscreen
This final mistake still pains me. I once left an expensive
sunscreen sitting beside a sunny window. Hours later, I discovered it had transformed into a runny liquid consistency that looked more like milk than sunscreen.
The active ingredients and formulation had clearly been compromised.
No matter how expensive a product is, heat and sunlight can still damage it. That melted bottle went straight into the bin.
Final Thoughts
If there is one message I’d leave you with, it’s that good skin doesn’t require perfection. My routine isn’t complicated. It isn’t especially glamorous either. It’s built around consistency, sensible ingredients, sun protection and keeping things simple.
I’ve had acne, oily skin, irritation, allergic reactions and more than my fair share of skincare mishaps. The difference now is that I’ve learned what works for me.
Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or someone who barely remembers to moisturise, don’t feel pressured to follow every trend. Find a routine you enjoy, stick with the basics and protect your skin from the sun.
After all, the best skincare routine is the one you’ll actually use.
Happy Pride 2026!
Dr Bryan
Dr Bryan Murphy is a Consultant Dermatologist practicing at Cathedral Dermatology Clinic in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
https://dermdocni.co.uk/
PAUL
Pride was never about the parade
There is something beautifully rebellious about joy. Not the loud, performative kind. The quiet kind. The kind that chooses to dance after grief. The kind that laughs after surviving. The kind that continues to love in a world that has repeatedly tried to convince you that you shouldn’t exist.
That is Pride.
As another Pride season arrives, Northern Ireland finds itself holding two very different stories. One is filled with colour, music, drag, community and celebration.
The other has been filled with division. Riots. Families living in fear. Communities torn apart by anger directed at those who simply happened to be different. Fear has always looked for someone to blame. Sometimes it has worn the mask of religion. Sometimes politics. Sometimes patriotism. Sometimes “protecting our children.”
History has shown us that fear rarely tells the truth.
At almost the same time, one of Northern Ireland’s most outspoken public figures; someone who built part of his public identity around traditional morality and opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, was convicted of serious sexual offences against children.
There is a lesson here, but perhaps not the one many people will rush to make. The lesson is not about sexuality. The lesson is about authenticity. For generations, LGBTQ+ people were told they were the threat. We were told that loving differently made us dangerous. That our relationships would somehow corrupt society.
Yet time and again, it has not been drag queens, gay couples or transgender people filling the courtrooms for these crimes. It has often been individuals who publicly projected certainty, morality and righteousness while privately living lives built on secrecy and contradiction. Perhaps Pride asks something very different of all of us.
Not perfection but Truth. Because hiding ourselves comes at a cost. When shame is left untouched, it rarely disappears.It often finds another way to emerge; as control, hatred, projection or violence.
Pride has never been about declaring that one group is better than another. It has always been an invitation to live without masks. To stop performing versions of ourselves designed to earn approval.
here, everyone.
The riots we’ve witnessed recently remind us how quickly fear can become contagious. Fear convinces us that people who look different are the enemy. That neighbours become strangers. That compassion is weakness.
But courage has never looked like shouting louder than everyone else. Real courage looks like protecting the vulnerable. Standing beside someone who is being targeted. Admitting when we’ve been wrong. Listening before judging. Remaining kind when anger would be easier.
Pride, at its heart, is an act of radical honesty. It says that every human being deserves dignity. Not because they’ve earned it. Because they already possess it. This year’s Pride is not simply about celebrating how far we’ve come. It is about asking how we now show up for one another. Can we become people who are brave enough to tell the truth? Strong enough to challenge injustice wherever it appears? Compassionate enough to refuse hatred, even when hatred feels justified?
Perhaps that is what Pride has always been. Not a march against other people. But a walk towards authenticity. Towards freedom. Towards one another.
And maybe, just maybe, that is exactly what Northern Ireland needs right now.
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
To finally say: “This is who I am.”
That invitation belongs to everyone; gay, straight, trans, religious, atheist, unionist, nationalist, immigrant, born
MARTIN M
The conversation around LGBTQ+ Gaelic Games teams has opened a bigger question for the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA): how can rules stay fair and consistent while ensuring people who have not always felt welcome, comfortable or safe in traditional clubs still have a real way back into the game?
The LGFA says it supports an open and inclusive atmosphere and welcomes stand-alone clubs, including LGBTQ+ inclusive clubs, provided they operate within the same boundary and eligibility rules as everyone else. That matters because the issue is not simply “inclusion versus exclusion”; it is what happens when existing rules do not fit the communities trying to play.
The LGFA cannot rewrite its rulebook every time a new club comes forward. Boundary rules protect smaller clubs, prevent stronger teams drawing players from anywhere, and keep Gaelic Games rooted in local communities. If one group receives flexibility, others may fairly ask why the same cannot apply to them.
The association is also right that changes to eligibility rules should go through formal democratic structures, including Congress motions. Sporting bodies need transparent rules, not decisions made on the hoof. But if Congress is the route, smaller, newer or minorityled clubs need clear support to understand and access that process, especially if they are not yet affiliated. The situation in Cork shows why this is more than a technical dispute. Na Laochra Aeracha, an LGBTQ+ inclusive club in the city, says its women’s team has struggled to register because current boundary requirements leave it short of eligible players. For some women involved, the issue is personal as well as administrative. A number have spent years away from club football, not through any lack of love for the game, but because the usual club environment did not always feel like somewhere they could fully relax, participate and be themselves.
The boundary issue has deepened that frustration. The club’s position is that Cork is being judged by an older set of lines, despite a later boundary arrangement being agreed. It also questions why Dublin can be treated as one overall unit while Cork cannot be approached with similar flexibility. Given Cork’s size, growing city population and large number of GAA clubs, the club believes the newer arrangement better reflects reality on the ground. At the heart of the case is a simple point: this is not a request to bypass the system, but for the system to leave a door open. A rule can be fair in theory and still exclude in practice. If the aim is to bring women back into Gaelic football, registration and boundary structures should help participation rather than unintentionally closing it down.
There is also a gender angle. If inclusive teams elsewhere, and men’s teams, have found a route into competition, it is reasonable to ask why the pathway for women’s teams is not clearer. That does not mean every rule should be thrown out. It means the LGFA should explain, plainly, how consistency works across counties, codes and competitions, and why one boundary approach is acceptable in one place but not another.
This is not only an LGBTQ+ club issue. There has already been wider discussion in Gaelic Games about parish and boundary rules, particularly where young players want to move because of bullying, welfare concerns or feeling deeply uncomfortable. The parish rule has value: it protects community identity and smaller clubs. But when rules keep people, especially young or vulnerable players, away from sport altogether, they deserve another look.
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
That is why the club’s argument should not be reduced to paperwork. For those players, an inclusive club can be the difference between returning to Gaelic football and staying outside it. Telling them to simply go back to established clubs overlooks why some stepped away in the first place. Officially welcoming policies do not always prevent uncomfortable dressing-room cultures, careless language or behaviour that makes players feel they do not belong.
That wider context matters. This is not one club seeking special treatment. It reflects a bigger tension in Gaelic Games between protecting local structures and making participation genuinely possible. If exceptions are unclear, slow or difficult to navigate, players can end up stuck on the sidelines. Rules may be legitimate, but there still needs to be a clear, timely and human route through them when the
standard model does not reflect players’ lives. Accepting the LGFA’s clarification does not make the underlying concern disappear. Many LGBTQ+ athletes know a club can be officially welcoming and still not feel safe in practice. Exclusion is not always loud. It can be an unchallenged joke, an uncomfortable changing room, or the quiet sense that you must edit yourself to fit in. Policies matter, but they do not automatically create belonging.
That is why comments attributed to Lyn Savage, suggesting players should simply join other clubs, landed badly for many in the community. Even if meant as a practical answer, it misunderstands why LGBTQ+ specific clubs exist. For players who stepped away because they did not feel safe or accepted, being told to return can feel dismissive. It risks reviving the old idea that queer players should quietly adapt to existing structures rather than asking what those structures need to change.
That is why LGBTQ+ specific teams such as Aeracha Uladh, Na Gaeil Aeracha and Na Laochra Aeracha matter. They are not a rejection of Gaelic Games. For many, they are a way back in. They offer community, confidence and visibility to players who stepped away from sport, or never felt able to take part fully. Their existence shows that inclusion is not just about allowing people through the door; it is about creating conditions where they can stay, play and belong.
The real challenge is not whether the LGFA has rules, or whether LGBTQ+ inclusive clubs have value. Both are true. The challenge is whether current rules are flexible enough to support new forms of participation without damaging fairness. If the LGFA wants its commitment to inclusion to be felt on the ground, it should not only correct the record when it feels misrepresented. It should show clearly how clubs created to tackle exclusion
can survive, compete and shape the future of the game.
There is also a practical communication issue. If a club is told rule change must come through Congress, it needs a clear and realistic route. That is especially difficult where making the case may depend on affiliation, while affiliation is what disputed rules are blocking. In that situation, guidance cannot be vague; it has to be direct, usable and fair.
LGBTQ+ Gaelic Games teams are not the problem. Boundary rules are not automatically the enemy either. The real test is whether fairness and inclusion can work together, instead of being used as reasons to keep people waiting outside the gate.
By Martin Murray
Falsome EUROPE 2026
Some of you may already know the name FOLSOM however many of you I expect will never have heard about what this is or where and when it takes place.
Europes key LGBTQ fetish event was first establish back in 2003 in the heart of Europes Fetish sex hub of Germanys Berlin. The Event is a take on the original Folsom Street Fair which is an annual Kink, Leather/ Sub and alternative sexual street fair which originated in San Francisco that happens usually in September in the USA city as part of Leather Pride week. (Affectionately often known as Folsom due to the Folsom Street Fair.
The European event is known as FOLSOM BERLIN and this major social community annual street fair will take place this September from the 11th September. The Berlin `event is hosted in the fetish district of Schoneberg. 2026 is set to be the biggest within the events history offering the community and the global tourist visitor more vendors, attractions and 3 full stages with multiple entertainment and Djs throughout.
Like any LGBTQ event it is way more than simply one days party/parade and celebration of our community and will cover a week of events around the city. Mixing large events with more intimate social gatherings and stand out moments.
This event is a global showcase for the fetish community with major global industry brands sponsoring events through the week with 7 major parties during the weekend including local clubs and bars hosting fetish theme parties,
You will find multiple social events, retail stalls and performances showcasing products and services often showcased by online global Porn star communities(. Yes leave nothing to the
imagination because these showcases don’t and I mean its all on display).
If I can say one thing about Folsom it is that it is an event that will bring people within the community who would otherwise feel shunned or ostracised together to share passions, loves, styles, knowledge, history and sexual health and safety within the kink and fetish community.
I often feel the world of kink and fetish is seen to be sleazy and filthy and vile by many including some form our very one community and for years was pushed underground and online hidden from the mainstream public eye. Folsom brings it into the very heart of the LGBTQ community LOUD & PROUD & without FEAR.
In previous travel articles I have spoken about Berlin LGBTQ scene and the abundance and uniqueness and welcoming nature to the fetish scene compared to the more mainstream LGBTQ scene offered in other cities around the world. For me Berlin hosting Folsom seems a great fit because it blends all of the Kink fetishes you might have into a city which will welcome you with open arms should it be Skins, Sub/Dom, Wsports, Fist and even Scat play.
As I have developed as a person my likes and desires have changed and events such as Prides, Circuit Parties, Leather Prides and Fetish prides have help me expand my personal likes in a very safe and friendly secure environment. You will notice when attending events how visual all of these things are and at first you may feel insecure and unsure about yourself and or the events themselves. However the community and the people around really are an amazing community that wants you to asks questions and engage with them. They know not all things are for everyone but the event provides you space to open your mind to new experiences.
Online social Media dominates many large scale Gay events around the globe and I would always suggest travellers wanting to possibly experience such events to go online and review previous years events either in Europe and the USA because it provides you with a much more visual view of what you can and cannot expect.
Folsom is generally a ticketed event so check out the events main page and see the options for events or packages which you feel you could be interested in during the weeks activities. I would always suggest you do your research because sometimes the event organisers could have negotiated better deals with the city hotels or transport firms than you could do yourself buying individually online. As this is a Key annual event expect the week to be busy so early booking is advisable for obvious reasons. If your thinking of going solo then please don’t panic because many people do attend these events solo mainly out of FEAR of being judged by other friends and or family due to what may seem as the events extreme non conforming nature. My advice is don’t think this because you are not alone and FOLSOM is huge and you can find online social media groups which can bring you together before even attending the event as-well as reviewing past events online/reviews.
Many travellers often worry about what others may think when travelling to these events such as when it comes to maybe packing leather gear, kink gear and or maybe the things you could purchase during your holiday. I say put this out of your mind and bring and or buy what you wish too make the event as good as you want.
Key Events during the week include:
-The PIG PARTY
-THE MAIN FAIR
-FETISH DANCE FLOORS
-FOLSOM STREET FAIR
So if your thinking about booking then get onto some online platforms and do your research start planning the events you want to attend and what your going to take. Please keep in mind budget for such events is everything and when you have endless options available to you in the mix right in-front of you its very easy to get carried away and overspend both budgeting and when your at your events.
Personal safety is also something you need to remember because yes these events can allow you to both enjoy your own fetishes and sexual desires in public spaces or safe venues but remember not everyone in the city will be attending or be happy the event is taking place. Know your limits and always be mindful of local laws on drink and drugs.
Getting to Berlin is so easy these days both from Belfast or Dublin I don’t think I need to tell you who or what way you should travel to such an event. I would however advise that you can make it as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be and of course you don’t need to stay for the full duration of the event and maybe just combine Berlin with either another city break or as part of a city and beach holiday option.
However you experience Folsom Europe I guarantee you it will both open your mind and eyes to scenes you might have not thought possible. If your like Folsom Europe then you might wish in the future to try the USA original Folsom which as you can imagine would be much BIGGER AND EVEN MORE IN YOUR FACE.
Happy Travels whatever you do this summer but most of all enjoy and keep safe and know your are part of much loved global community thats waiting to welcome you and explore the endless travel and global connections open to all of us.
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