ScotsGay Issue 128 - ScotsGay Magazine

Transcription

ScotsGay
scotsgay.co.uk
A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE EDITED, PRINTED & PUBLISHED IN SCOTLAND SINCE 1994
Susan Calman pic by Steve Ullathorne
ISSUE 128
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Wed 25th July 2012
DEAR DIARY...
After sending ScotsGay to press at 4am,
I awake at 9am to check that all is well.
Our printer is not a happy man. His
machine that normally goes Printity-Print
has gone Ping instead. Ping is not good.
ScotsGay will be late for only the third time
since 1994. Just how late is a matter of
mystery. Nothing to be done but e-mail our
Delivery Boy to tell him that his life is on
hold until that mystery is resolved.
But, lo, what is this lurking amidst the
daily offers of reasonably priced “Swiss”
watches, Viagra and cinematographic
depictions of unfeasible depravity? ’Tis an
invite to attend a Scottish Government Press
Conference whereat Deputy First Minister
(DFM) Nicola Sturgeon will make an
announcement on Same Sex Marriage
(SSM). It is silent as to the announcement’s
nature - due less than two hours hence.
The lips of my spy at the Equality
Network are tight. They have been sworn to
secrecy. But, in the background, I detect that
Cage-ian silence that indicates the imminent
arrival of a supply of Cava to feed the troops.
En route to Regent Road, I call Brother
Bimbo of the Order of Perpetual Indulgence
to enquire if she or any other members of
the Order will manifest outside St Andrew’s
House as part of their heretofore successful
mission to highjack the news agenda by
mediawhoring in habit. She seems not best
pleased at the early arousal, points out that it
takes a minimum of two hours to apply the
slap and declines to come out and play.
On arrival, I am escorted to the Media
Centre’s second chamber. Unlike the plush
set seen on TV, this room is austere and
business like with a central table surrounded
by chairs. I wearily head for the nearest of
these - 11am is really too early for my
internal clock!
Soon, an aide appears with copies of a
John Hein
[email protected]
Thanks to The Scotsman for the
pics of the press conference
ScotsGay is a monthly magazine for
LGBT folk and friends.
ISSN: 1357-0595. Unless otherwise stated
© Pageprint Ltd, July 2012.
PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. Non profit use
of material in the magazine, will normally be
permitted free of charge, but contact us first for
permission.
Views expressed in ScotsGay don't necessarily
reflect the views of ScotsGay. People featured
may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans,
straight, some, all, or non of the above.
ScotsGay
Editorial: John Hein
Tel: 0131-539 0666
[email protected]
Advertising: Martin Mann
Tel: 0131-661 6037 Mob: 07850 576106
[email protected]
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C o n t a c t M a rt i n M a n n
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news release. It is eagerly grabbed and cat
vacates bag as we see the headline: “Same
sex marriage to be legalised”. In that
curiously collegiate way in which assembled
journalists work, heated discussion takes
place as to the meaning of the words on the
three pages of A4. Is there a hidden agenda?
Is there a hidden meaning? It’s almost as if
the Illuminati might be lurking amongst the
lampblack of the photocopy print.
Ruminations end on the arrival of the
DFM who sits down next to me. In person,
Ms Sturgeon is nothing like Kim Hunter’s
portrayal of Dr Zira in Planet of the Apes - a
foul canard spread by her political enemies.
Instead, she seems a pleasant, hardworking
and down to earth woman - resolute of mind
and purpose - something which is
demonstrated as she makes her statement (I
am so close that I can read her handwritten
notes) and takes questions.
In short, the Scottish Government is to
bring forth legislation to permit SSMs.
Firstly, they will consult with “stakeholders” which means pretty much anybody who
wants to have a say. Later this year, a draft
Bill will be published and will start on the
lengthy Scottish Parliamentary process.
As well as Registry Offices, SSMs will
be able to take place in places of worship if
the faith concerned consents. But, so that
individual ministers who dissent from their
faith’s espousal of SSMs can refuse to carry
one out, an amendment to the UK Equality
Act will be pursued through Westminster
with the promised co-operation of the UK
Government. All very civilised - nobody is
forced to do anything they don’t want to do
whilst Roman Catholic schools can continue
to teach (at the expense of tax payers) that
homosexuals are “intrinsically disordered”
and that SSMs are evil.
Whilst they can’t please everybody, the
Scottish Cabinet has unanimously agreed
that this is the right thing to do and the first
Scottish SSMs should take place in early
2015.
Outside, jubilant Equality Network
spokesperson Tom French looks for all the
world like a young Tom Daley as he
contemplates a day long orgy of
mediawhoring that the OPI can only envy.
Bed beckons for a few hours before an
informal evening celebration at The Street
where Equality Network campaigners are
joined by several MSPs one of whom
confides that he’d known about the
impending announcement since Sunday but
had been told to keep schtum.
Thence to Edinburgh’s Bisexual pub,
The Auld Hoose. Brother Bimbo, in mufti, is
drowning her sorrows with flagrant husband
Charles Stross, the Science Fiction writer distraught that their marriage is to be totally
devalued by allowing homosexuals to get
hitched too. As Charlie beerfully puts it, “Do
we now have to take up sex with goats in
order to differentiate ourselves from you
lot?”.
In traditional journalistic mode, I make
my excuses and leave - heading homewards
to debate with Stu upon which church we
might use in 2015.
As with the first SSMs in Amsterdam in
2001, I have been lucky to be there whilst
history is made.
op-ed
EQUALITY: Are We There Yet?
Leaving same-sex marriage out of the
Queen’s speech and suggesting same-sex
couples would not be allowed to marry in
religious ceremonies in England only set the
bells of cash registers in Gretna Green
pealing ever louder.
In Scotland, while we mentally prepared
ourselves for the twisted sophistry of the
Catholic hierarchy ahead of the
announcement of the consultation over our
right to equality, the back doors of councils
all over Scotland were opened after the
council elections for unelected clerics to take
their seats (up to four of them) on all the
educations committees. This – praise the
Lord – was a law passed in Westminster that
demanded Scots kowtow to a privilege that
would have any Iranian mullah looking on in
envy. Quite why religionists deserve such
preferential treatment ahead of academic
educationalists, scientists, representatives
from business and trades unions, parent
representatives, artists, writers or a member
of the Caravan and Camping Club is beyond
me. All the same, on some committees,
religionists outnumber ordinary people to
close schools or make decisions that can
affect all our lives.
By June, Scotland on Sunday had
revealed the Equality Network’s survey which
showed a majority of MSPs were set to back
same-sex marriage – 69 out of 129 of them.
The religious backlash was immediate.
Cardinal Keith O’Brien predictably attacked
the announcement, baying in The Scotsman,
it was “clear that Scotland’s schools will be
banned from promoting a traditional
understanding of marriage”. (He never gives
up, does he?) Half of the SNP members
declared they were in favour of gay marriage
(34 of the 68), whilst even more, Labour
MSPs, (25 out of 37), pledged their support.
All five Lib Dem MSPs, both Greens and
Margo MacDonald, the Independent MSP,
pledged their support. Of the 15 Tories, only
two declared their support for the measure:
lesbian leader Ruth Davidson and her
deputy, Jackson Carlaw, showing what a
long way this Party still has to go before it is
fit for the 21st century. Overall, nine MSPs
indicated that were opposed to gay marriage
and seven of those were Conservatives.
Amongst them, Dave Thompson, the SNP
MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, and
Bill Walker, the former SNP member who
was expelled from the party and arrested
after domestic assault allegations. Perhaps
you’ll check at the next election to see where
your prospective candidates stood on this
issue before voting for them. Catholic
spokesman, Peter Kearney, gagging for
another anti-gay referendum, suggested the
Garry Otton
[email protected]
You can
follow
Garry on
facebook
decision shouldn’t be left up to politicians. I
don’t know about you, but I would far rather
leave this in the hands of politicians than I
would Catholic clerics.
I’ve never really understood the Catholic
position on this. Our gay marriages are not
going to affect their ‘straight’ divorces. Most
Catholics support gay marriage anyway. I’ve
even heard some complain about the way
they’d been bullied into signing petitions
against it. James Peron had a good point on
Huffpost Gay Voices. He reported a
McDonalds losing money because Catholics
weren’t supposed to eat meat on Friday or
during Lent. Everything was settled once
McDonalds started selling Filet-o-fish®,
leaving everyone else to tuck into a
hamburger if they wanted one. This puzzled
James. “If the Catholic view on abstaining
from meat on Fridays imposed a personal
obligation on them but didn’t require
anything from non-Catholics, then why does
the Catholic view of marriage have to be
enshrined in law?” Well, don’t worry, James.
I don’t know either.
While the Catholic hierarchy moralised
on how gay people should live their lives in
Scotland, they were busy swirling around in
a cesspool of their own making everywhere
else. The stench was overwhelming,
comprising of the banning of a book on
female masturbation, the Vatileaks scandal
and the story of Cardinal Dolan, a former
Archbishop, who’d spent around $20,000
bankrupting the archdiocese in Milwaukee to
pay abusing priests – somehow called
‘victims’ in the Financial Council Meeting
Minutes - to quietly leave the church. (For
the purposes of accounting, he had called
these payments ‘acts of charity’).
In a posed picture agency photograph
with a cross dangling from his neck and a
hand piously pressed against his heart,
Cardinal Bertone defended the Vatican in The
Scotsman in the face of the VatiLeaks
scandal after sensitive documents were
found in the home of the Pope’s butler,
Paolo Gabriel. Bertone accused journalists of
imitating Da Vinci Code author, Dan Brown,
inventing “fairy-tales” and repeating
“legends”. A bit funny coming from an
organisation that’s made a fortune out of the
industry. Bertone blamed VatiLeaks on the
Prince of Darkness, saying, “The truth is that
there is an attempt to sow division that
comes from the Devil”. Led by a doddering
old fool of 85, now finding it difficult to
speak and walk, the Vatican was, in the
words of Spiegel Online: “…Disintegrating
into dozens of competing interest groups”.
After gargantuan levels of child abuse was
concealed by the Catholic Church behind a
catalogue of excuses and deflections that
included ephebophiles, the sixties,
homosexuals, criminals, a greater number of
incidences of abuse in other institutions, the
Pope added another one to the list. In a prerecorded address to the 50th International
Eucharistic Congress at Croke Park in
Dublin, Pope Benedict confessed it was “a
mystery”. He just couldn’t understand how
anyone who regularly “received the Lord’s
body and confessed their sins” could abuse
a child. Well, they did, Herr Ratzinger. Big
time.
June also brought the results of an
Ipsos MORI survey, carried out for the
Equality Network, LGBT Youth Scotland and
the Scottish Youth Parliament which found
68% of 1,003 people asked agreeing that
religious organisations should be able to
marry same-sex couples if they want to. The
Catholic Church doesn’t normally like polls
that don’t give them the answer they want,
so, speaking to the BBC’s Sunday Politics
Scotland programme, Catholic spokesman,
Peter Kearney dismissed the poll as “deeply
flawed”. In a deliberate slight to the humane
people who had spoken out in favour of
human rights, he added: “The public in
general are very wary and unlikely to
suggest a person shouldn’t have a right.
When you begin your question by saying
should someone have the right to same-sex
marriage you automatically have distorted
the result”. A spokesman for Ipsos MORI,
Ashish Prashar explained: “We are confident
that respondents will have understood the
question and what is meant by a right. The
question itself was balanced, allowing
respondents to tell us whether they ‘agreed’
or ‘disagreed’.” Seems fair enough to me.
By July, with the help of an unnamed
QC, a former editor of a Catholic newspaper,
now political editor of The Scotsman, Eddie
Barnes, made an ominous suggestion on
how the SNP might copy Westminster and
kick this whole issue into the long grass.
Although churches wouldn’t have to perform
same-sex marriage if they didn’t want to,
Barnes wrote: “the QC’s opinion is that,
thanks to EU and UK Equality legislation, this
(sic) reassurances would “not exempt” them
from “a claim of direct sex discrimination”.
Speaking as though he was making the
announcement from Holyrood, he
patronisingly chimed: “We’d like to do it, but
right now it’s tricky legally and we don’t have
the powers to change it”, adding hopefully more to the government than his readers “It’s a possible way out”. Barnes broke the
news that a decision would be delayed until
17th July, after Glasgow Pride on the 14th,
when many hoped to be popping corks and
singing down the yellow brick road to
George Square where they were to be met
by a group of Catholic protesters called
Catholic Truth, enthusiastically counting
their rosaries. Journalists more sympathetic
to the equality groups or churches
campaigning to marry same-sex couples
were left scrabbling for more information
from Holyrood. After the consultation had
closed last December, a Scottish
government spokesperson told Gay Star
News: “There’s been some slippage in the
expected timetable due to the huge volume
of responses…” 77,000 was a big number.
A consultation on Scottish independence
had only received 26,000 responses. It had
originally been STV News that announced a
decision by 10th July. An exasperated Tim
Hopkins, the chair of the Equality Network
told Gay Star News: “The Equality Network is
urging the government to show leadership
and make an announcement as soon as
possible. Eight of the countries around us
already have same-sex marriage. The
government of France announced this week
that they will legislate next year. The Irish
deputy prime minister told Dublin Pride at
the weekend that same-sex marriage is the
civil rights issue of the present day. It’s time
the Scottish government caught up with our
neighbours”.
The tempers of the Catholic hierarchy
were on the boil. Cardinal Keith O’Brien took
to the Sunday Times Scotland to warn the
Scottish Government that it could expect an
“unprecedented backlash” from his Church if
it went ahead with plans to legalise samesex marriage, claiming “marriage is under
threat and politicians need to know the
Catholic Church will bear any burden and
meet any cost in its defence.” The bigot
added that the Catholic Church would spend
an additional £100,000 on an advertising
campaign against the plans, on top of the
£50,000 it already spent against marriage
equality in Scotland. This outburst came
shortly after the Vatican registered one of its
worst budget deficits in years, plunging back
into the red with a 15 million Euro deficit in
2011.
The Catholic Church was not alone.
Herald columnist, Harry Reid demonstrated
how curmudgeonly a Kirk member can get
Happy Equal Marriage
Campaigners outside
The Street
The creeping
politicisation of religion
has done nothing to
help our quest for
equality. Rock the boat!
The NATIONAL
SECULAR SOCIETY
doesn’t have the
massive funds and
friends in high places to
defend your rights
against the swelling
tide of religious
privilege. PLEASE. Put
your hand in your
pocket and send them a
tenner:
NSS, 25 Red Lion
Square, London WC1R
4RL. More details at
www.secularism.org.uk
Garry Otton contributes
to NOT The Scottish
Catholic Observer on
Facebook.
by feigning surprise with the suggestion that
treating gays equally “remarkably, appears to
unite Catholics, the Church of Scotland…
and Muslims”. Yes, Harry. They all hate
gays. We’re quite the uniting force, aren’t
we? He advised: “It’s worth remembering
that church leaders speak with legitimate
authority on behalf of many hundreds of
thousands of people in Scotland”, before
adding; “our main political parties is pitifully
small. The active adherents of the main
religions in Scotland far outnumber, on a
huge scale, the committed members of
political parties”. In other words: Despite the
disorganised majority who reject religion:
We are well-organised; well-funded and we’ll
boot your arse if you don’t deliver what we
want! Rejecting democracy in favour of
theocracy, he blasted: “I reckon that even in
these secular times there is something far
deeper and ultimately more valuable in
religious faith than in political allegiance”.
Before plugging the next revolting anti-gay
shindig, “probably starting on Sunday, 26th
August… launched in defence of marriage”,
he added: “I am told that some people
working in the public sector already feel that
their very jobs could be under threat if, on
valid grounds of conscience and religious
conviction, they refuse to go along with the
proposed legislation”.
Harry Reid’s homophobia appealed to
the increasingly reactionary and ageing
congregations of Scotland’s emptying
churches. As editor of The Herald, he would
fill its pages with religious columnists who
took every opportunity to undermine gay
equality. There was Stewart Lamont who
wrote of his disgust of gay men’s apparent
love of public conveniences; Michael Fry
who suggested the repeal of Section 28
would give children AIDS; and John
Macleod, who - before he was ‘outed’ as
homosexual and sacked for suggesting Holly
Wells and Jessica Chapman would not have
been murdered in Soham if they’d been in
church – wrote that gays were “simply not
equipped to live”.
Glasgow Pride partied. X-Factor
champion, Joe McElderry and the Cheeky
Girls were on stage, along with a minutes’
silence at the behest of the Metropolitan
Church and a tongue-in-cheek mention for
Catholic Truth while the audience celebrated
with the shameless Sisters and Brothers of
the Order of Perpetual Indulgence and a
mock Cardinal. During the march, Secular
Scotland’s banners were seized. The
placards displayed slogans saying:
CATHOLIC BOYS PHYSICALLY CASTRATED
BECAUSE THEY’RE GAY’, referring to boys
castrated without parental consent in Dutch
Catholic institutions because they were
suspected of being gay; ‘BABIES STOLEN
FROM MOTHERS IN CATHOLIC
HOSPITALS’, referring to thousands of
babies stolen from ‘unsuitable’ mothers
during the Franco era in Spain and
‘CARDINAL O’BRIEN KNEW ABOUT FATHER
LYNAGH. IS THIS MORAL?’ referring to the
re-employment by O’Brien of a convicted
pædophile. The steward explained he was
responding to complaints from the Episcopal
Church that the banners “were offensive to
people of ‘faith’.” I would hope that it is
collusion with those who would silence
these facts that offends religionists more.
(And the fact that Pride Glasgow is refusing
to apologise and is now blaming the police
is a scandal. Ed).
Secularist, Derek McLellan said after the
parade: “Catholic Truth was nowhere to be
seen. Just like the person who complained
about our placard. Cowards are what they
are. They attempt to use the law to further
their bigotry, and when that fails, they and
their nebulous claims disappear into the
ether.”
When Tuesday came, the cabinet met,
and again the date was put back to the end
of the month before they would make any
decision. A ‘leaked’ document to the BBC
revealed there’d be no referendum, but a
sub-committee looking at freedom of
religion and speech; that is to say, how the
church could safely be made exempt from
equality legislation the rest of us have to
follow. This would mean Westminster would
have to amend the Equality Act. It looked like
equality was being kicked into the long grass
after all.
Then, on the day the new Archbigot of
Glasgow, Philip Tartaglia, the Pope’s new
‘yes’ man, was installed in his new job, a
story broke in the New Statesman, complete
with video, showing Tartaglia apparently
linking the premature death of a Catholic
Labour MP, David Cairns to the politician’s
homosexuality. (He died of pancreatitis). The
video also appeared to show Tartaglia
bemoaning how, amongst young people, it
was now presented as ‘cool’ not to be
homophobic. Even Barnes tweeted that he’d
done Nicola’s job for her.
Suddenly, with only a few hours’ notice,
journalists were called to an urgent
government press conference. Deputy
Minister, Nicola Sturgeon announced
Scotland would be allowing same-sex
marriage. So, as religionists now switched
gear to tinker, reduce and obliterate any
hard-won equality legislation; secularists
were poised to defend our freedom from
religion.
dùn eideann
Pride Glasgow
EDINBURGH
6,000 LGBT folk and their friends made their way from Kelvingrove to George Square
on Sat 14th Jul in what is probably the best attended Pride March to have been held in
Scotland in recent years. On arrival, the crowds were entertained by a programme of
Loud Popular Noise sponsored by AXM Club. And, despite ominous forecasts, the rain
held off just enough not to spoil the day!
So it’s Festival time in The Burgh again!
The city springs to life offering 24 hour
entertainment. Whatever your tastes, there’s
something available to keep you awake in
the city that won’t sleep for the next month.
Scotland’s charity for gay and bisexual
men - Gay Men’s Health (GMH) has
launched a new campaign to remind gay and
bi men that using condoms and lubricant
correctly is the best way to protect yourself
from HIV and other STIs. In conjunction
with the campaign, GMH has also created an
iPhone application. This app provides users
with the opportunity to find the nearest
location to pick up free condoms and lube
distributed by GMH. The campaign, titled
“You need condoms, condoms need lube”,
was launched at Pride Scotia in June. The
resources will be available throughout the
Edinburgh gay scene. For more info about
the iPhone app go to www.gmh.org.uk
Lots has been happening at GHQ over
the last few weeks, and with a new PR and
Events Manager joining the team, there are a
lot of new ideas planned for the coming
months! After being the main sponsor at
Pride Scotia, the crew at GHQ had Kieron
Richardson (Hollyoaks’ Ste) who loved the
crowds so much that he and his PA danced
for hours with everyone and posed for
photos etc. Pride is now over, but GHQ
strongly believe that you should be proud
every day of the year. They are still closed
on a Mon – at the moment – but that may
change!! The team are very excited as in a
few weeks you will see new themed nights
to get your dancing shoes going – and we all
know how much you lot love a theme night.
Any chance to get dressed up! GHQ have
entered into Battle of the Clubs, so follow the
link on their facebook page to vote for them.
If they win, Smirnoff will sponsor an event –
which means gooooood things for y’all!
Battle of the Club events will be happening in
GHQ every Sat, and then on Sat 28th Jul it’s
Jodie
Fleming-Stanley
[email protected]
Mr Gay UK competition with Kieron
Richardson back to visit! Be there or be
square!! Catch up with the GHQ crew on
their facebook and twitter for lots more info
and goss.
Over at Planet, they are on fire with
community spirit – really getting behind
GHQ and their Battle of the Clubs campaign,
and their pre-Madonna Concert party was a
massive hit! They very generously raffled off
2 tickets for the gig, with proceeds going to
local charity LGBT Youth Scotland, and
people from all over the country came to hit
up the venue with some serious partying
pre-Madge and to take advantage of those
awesome drinks promos. And don’t forget,
Thu in PLANET is quiz night, a quiz that is
accessible to the masses! Free to play, with
awesome prizes – last month they gave
away all sorts, including hypnotist tickets!
Also plenty of cold hard cash for winning
too. And don’t forget that as of Fri 3rd, there
will be extended drinking hours at Planet …
so all that quizzing, karaoke, dj-ing with that
minx Cilla Slack will now all mean even
longer fun!
And it wouldn’t be a festival without
Habana’s annual Xmas in the Sun party to
kick things off! On Sun 5th Aug, the Xmas
bash gets everyone right in the party spirit –
and then the Habz annual Beach Party marks
the end of the festival, on Sun 2nd Sep. On
both nights you can expect a PARTAAAY to
remember!. They also have another treat in
store for all the lovely festival goers and
locals alike, as they present the sensational
Miss Coco Chanel with her her ‘Same Shit,
Different Summer‘ show. Miss Chanel will
be appearing on Sat 18th, Sun 19th and Sun
26th Aug. Be sure to come check her out as
she has been practicing all year in Benidorm
to give us all a spectacular festival show.
She is en route on her mobility scooter as
you read this! For more info, check their
facebook page.
And Habana are also raising money for
CHAS, a fantastic Scottish children’s charity.
The charitable crew at Habz plan to raise
money by putting on FREE shows, with the
option of donating a few quid to this very
worthy cause. Lots of festival acts are
planned for this, so get your peepers onto
the Café Habana facebook page for more
info.
The Festival HotScots Quiz will take
place on Mon 6th Aug, so come along and
see if you have what it takes to beat the
HotScots. One of their teams won last
month, so come and challenge their grey
matter with a battle to the finish – with free
munchies too to get your brain in gear!
Also, Habz have the extended festival trading
hours, opening until 3am. And with a 1pm
opening time everyday, weather permitting,
enjoy a refreshing beverage on the ‘terrace’
or if its raining, in the warmth of the bar.
Over at the Newtown Bar, they will be
serving food every day throughout Aug:
Mon-Sat 12.30-7pm and Sun 12.30-3.30pm
- serving traditional pub favourites; NTB
Club Sandwiches, Sausage and Mash,
Haggish neeps and tatties, Fish and Chips,
Nachos - to keep your energies up over the
Fringe Festival. And they have their Famous
Friday and Sunday FUNdraisers this year
again! These were a huge hit the last few
years. Every Fri in Aug 8-10pm, and every
Sun 4-8pm, they will be showcasing the best
of the fest! If last year is anything to go by,
everyone is in for a treat. They are looking
to raise £4,000 for Waverley Care - so come
down and enjoy the entertainment and enter
the charity raffle with some AMAZING prizes
up for grabs. And over the fest, the NTB are
open til 3am Sun-Thu, and on Fri and Sat are
open until 4am!
The BearScots guys will be continuing
with their usual festival furry night - second
Saturday of the month, Sat 14th Aug, which
falls bang in the midst of Festival madness at
the New Town Bar. They are also about to
launch registration for BearScotFest from
New members always welcome
Join us at our open evening on 28 August 2012
Further details at www.egmc.co.uk/join
5th-7th Oct – so watch this space for
more info on that fun annual BearScot
event.
Ladies – check out the Virgen
facebook page for details of when their
next event is going to be. Last month’s
Virgen was great, even though there was
an evacuation due to a fire alarm going
off, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the
Virgen crowd! A totally amazing
alternative night for girls who like girls –
or ladies!
And Pink Pockets is also going
down a storm with all the ladies on the
scene. Blue Moon’s basement bar has
become a haven for lesbians, with its
awesome pool table, private bar and
sophisticated yet intimate surroundings.
Open 7pm til late.
Up at The Wee Red Bar, the
ultimate alternative queer party will be
holding a Festival special – Hot Mess v
Lock up Your Daughters. On Fri 3rd
Aug from 11pm-4am, at the ECA, this is
a vinyl-only selection of underground
disco, house, electro and synthpop
accompanied by a non-stop psychedelic
and erotic video showreel, guaranteed to
have your eyes popping out on stalks
and sure to make you come over all
unnecessary!
So it’s all go in the big city, but what
about the Kingdom? The hordes of
LGBT Fifers will be pleased to hear that
the Kingdom is finally getting with the
programme! Thanks to a group of
passionate, enthusiastic people, the
Kingdom is really swinging into the 21st
Century and taking care of its gays!
Who could have failed to have seen the
amazing ‘Gay Fife’ banners on the pride
march!
So, first up – there are now two
LGBT youth groups running in Fife.
There’s one in Dunfermline, and another
in Kirkcaldy. Available for young people
aged 13-25, these are a great way for
young people to meet other like minded
individuals in a constructive and safe
environment.
And for the more mature Fifer, at
last there are the beginnings of a social
scene for us! An LGBT night will be
trialled in the Kingdom starting on Wed
8th Aug, arranged by David Jackson –
for more info on this, please add
Lgbtfife Partynight on facebook or
phone David on 07977 942430. No one
can party like the Fifers, so let’s show
the Kingdom what the queers are all
about!
Pix on this page by Manic Dante Photography
Pix over the page by Michael James: www.aleph-naught.com
More pix at www.scotsgay.co.uk
glaschu
obar dheadhainn
GLASGOW
ABERDEEN
Didn’t Glasgow have a rare time over
Pride Weekend? Well, I know I did anyway!
Bopping along to camp tunes in
Delmonicas, eating my Pride Breakfast in
Speakeasy, watching all the Bears go into
Underground, telling all the women about
Merchant Pride’s women only night... I was
knackered!
It was officially Glasgow’s biggest ever
Pride, with over 6,000 gays descending on
the city centre to show the Catholic
Protestors and the rest of the community
that we’re here, we’re queer and they better
get used to it. I enjoyed the march, seeing all
the gays of different walks of lives. Those
that like leather showing their arses off, the
drag queens in their best dresses, the gay
organisations with their banners, flags,
balloons and even FANS! Oh the Gay Men’s
Health fans came in handy in the heat of
Speakeasy for me!
The hustle and bustle of the gay scene
on Pride Saturday was immense, so many
gays, too much alcohol and a whole lotta
good choons blasting out of the best scene!
The Glasgow Scene staff need to be
congratulated on the
work they put in, some
of whom worked for over
20 hours on Pride Day
just to keep the bars and
clubs ticking for you to
enjoy your day! Well
done EVERYONE who
worked on Glasgow’s
Scene - you did us all
proud!
DJ Marc,
Underground’s newest
otter, but long standing DJ had the wee bar
jumping with the campest tunes and the best
leather outfit! I’m sure he probably had his
wee bum out for the boys a few times during
the evening! Bee was hanging about all night
too, looking wonderful in a Christian Dior
Gold number, puffing away at her cigarette
outside, mingling with the gays and getting
papped!
Nancy Clench had the daytime crowd
jumping, laughing, dancing,
cringing and wooping at some of
the tunes she was playing in
Speakeasy! The Macarena,
Whigfield and Cotton Eyed Joe
were some of the cheesey
classics that entertained a
capacity crowd at Speakeasy’s
day time party before the cute,
but straight, bear DJ Jamie came
in to play the tunes, taking your
requests on Twitter, Grindr and
in person like he does every Sat!
After a month off and being in
Edinburgh a few times here's a round up of
what's happening up in the North East.
Cheerz Bar and Club continue with
great entertainment on the scene, July saw X
Factor night with 2 Shoes and Sammy
packing out the club. As well as special
nights they continue to bring the most
diverse cast of entertainment to Aberdeen
with everything from cabaret to karaoke and
cheese to house music with Craig, Ross,
Steve, Kevin, Miss Romy, Bobbie Dazzler
and Miss Cherry Bakewell. Cheerz likes to
bring you what you are looking for and are
always looking for ideas. Feel free to contact
them via Facebook or twitter @cheerztweet
or by chatting to one of the fabulous bar
staff.
The city's other LGBT club offering
Chaplin's has the most diverse mix of DJ's
with a lot of specialist dance and house
Nathan Sparling
[email protected]
Delmonica’s provided the scene with a
full drag show - Barbra La Bush, Bella
Houston, Lily Minogue, Miss Natalie, Miss
Mel and Nancy Clench all performed! First
they were women, then Hollywood Divas
looking for a Big Spender... all the hits were
in that show, and Barbra La Bush got naked
too! Poor Queenie, the Scene’s superstar DJ
had to put up with pressing play for the
show instead of our mingling with the gays,
but he was downing pints of cider like there
was no tomorrow!
The Riding Room had something like
20 cabaret acts on Pride Saturday - what a
night that was to have been in there. From
the resident boylesque turned comedy music
genius, Tom De Lish, to full bands,
burlesque, singers and our favourite 6’5”
Comedian, Scott Agnew, telling his tales
from the sauna and a whole lot more. I’ve
been told by a certain someone that The
Riding Rooms best cocktail is a Casablanca try it out!
The Polo Lounge pulled out all the
stops and brought one of the X Factor’s best
winners to Glasgow to entertain the crowds.
Alexandra Burke was on stage in Polo
singing and dancing away to a club that
cheered her on and sang the lyrics to Bad
Boy without hesitation. I did see some
Broken Heels when I got round to Polo near
the end of the night, so I know Alexandra
had all the boys and girls dancing away like
there was no tomorrow, and Radio 1’s Aled
Jones kept the party going until 4am!
Miss Cheri Treiffel didn’t stop after she was
on the stage, she was down at The Waterloo
keeping the punters happy with what I’m
sure were a whole lotta laughs and some
great music.
Merchant Pride donned the Pride Flags
in the heart of the merchant city, and The
Court Bar even used their outside space to
serve drinks! I really wish I’d been there
because I love that outside beer garden!
AXM had Joe McElderry and Lloyd
Daniels doing a meet and greet after their
performance on the George Square stage.
They were live streaming DJ Phil Marriott’s
performance to Gaydar Radio for the whole
nation to hear, which was fab!
July has been a great month in Glasgow and
Pride really has topped it off. The Merchant
City Festival is fast approaching and our
wonderful community Art Gallery and local
sex shop, Luke and Jack and The Virginia
Gallery are gearing up for a fun time. Having
hosted a special Queen’s exhibition for the
Diamond Jubilee, one of the best pieces First
Class which is a large-scale portrait of a
stamp, created by designer Stuart Cadge,
will once again be on display between 25th
and 29th July. You’ll probably be reading
this after those dates, but make sure you get
in to Luke and Jack and the Virginia Gallery
because they’ve always got lots of goodies
for boys and girls, and some amazing
artwork!
I’m looking forward to next month, I’m
writing for SGFringe reviewing some of the
great shows as part of the Edinburgh
Festival. I’ll also be coming round the whole
of the scene interviewing some of the
managers for a feature for next month.
Until then, tweet me at
@NathanSparkling!
Paparazzi Images
Andi Watson
[email protected]
nights being offered every month. Keep an
eye out in the new fan page on Facebook for
more information and tickets for most nights
can be bought at one up on Belmont Street.
The Market Arms is the place to be for
banter and karaoke with great staff and
drinks prices to start off your night.
Look out for all of the
venues on the gaybarhood app
available in the apple app store,
it is a great app for helping plan
nights out across the UK.
The whole team is now in
place at Gay Men's Health in
Grampian, and will be based at
246 George Street in Aberdeen providing a
wide range of services for gay and bisexual
men across the region.
Services being launched soon are HIV
Support, Group Work and training,
community outreach and many more
exciting initiatives.
They are looking for volunteers to help
with the service too, if you have some spare
time and would like to be involved please Email: [email protected] for more
information.
Keep up to date about GMH by following
them on twitter @gmhscotland or via
www.gmh.org.uk
Zone Youth are heading to Stavanger in
Sep to meet up with other LGBT
organisations across there to find out more
about culture, stigma and LGBT life in
Norway to enable them to feedback to local
elected members in Aberdeen to look at
developing LGBT resources for young
people in the city. If you want to find out
more or donate to the group, E-mail:
[email protected]
Queer as Folk and Coronation Street
actor Antony Cotton is heading to Castle
Fraser on 1st Sep to take part in a unique
concert of soapstars from every UK soap in
aid of local Aberdeen charity Befriend a
Child. Antony has been part of many an
LGBT campaign including Stonewall’s ‘some
people are gay get over it’ campaign. To find
out more and buy tickets to this unique
event visit the website
www.befriendasoapstar.com
That's all for this month but please
remember if you have any news,
photographs or gossip to drop them to the
usual address.
from the Big Lottery Fund for a year-long
project for LGBT visibility and support in the
Highlands and Islands. The money will help
the Forum to reach communities outwith
Inverness and to engage with service
providers throughout the region. Numerous
events will take place over the twelve
months starting with an information stall at
Inverness Highland Games.
Girlzone now has a regular monthly
night out in Wetherspoons in Inverness
(second Thu of the month) and in Jul we
were joined by a lovely lesbian couple on
holiday from Wisconsin, USA. Although only
two dozen people braved the summer rain to
attend the LGBT disco on 7th Jul, there was
a good atmosphere and it was nice to see
two guys visiting from Berlin. Now if only
Inverness had gay bars like Berlin.....!
Waverley Care Highland offers dry
blood spot testing for HIV and Hepatitis at
their office at 34 Waterloo Place, Inverness.
This is free and confidential. The results take
about two weeks. If necessary they can
provide you with both practical and
emotional support. They also have a free
condoms by post scheme - Tel: Inverness
(01463) 711585 or Text: 07519 708296.
In memory of Val Jackson (1944 - 2012)
Val Jackson passed away at home in
Burghead, Moray, on 4th July only three
weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
She was a stalwart member of Girlzone,
LGBT Moray and the Highland Rainbow Folk.
After being discharged from the RAF
because of her sexual orientation, she had
two successful careers in both nursing and
criminal justice. An avid reader and
birdwatcher, she also loved meeting people.
She was never short of anecdotes to
entertain us and had a brilliant sense of
humour and timing. As well as being a
celebrant with the Humanist Society of
Scotland, she also volunteered her time at
the Burghead Visitor Centre. Val was a
pleasure to be with and always ready to
volunteer for anything she could do to help.
She will be sadly missed by the LGBT
community in Highland and Moray. Our
thoughts are with her partner, daughter, sonin-law and two grandchildren.
A fund has been set up in Val’s name so
that LGBT folk across the Highlands and
Islands are not isolated due to financial
hardship. Details can be found via
www.gay-ness.org.uk
a’ghaidhealtach
HIGHLANDS
The Equal Marriage debate has certainly
highlighted how the attitude of some faith
groups can be very destructive and divisive
as regards equality for LGBT people. So it
was heart warming to hear the positive
comments of a former Moderator of the
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
speaking at a church hall in the heart of
Inverness. Finlay Macdonald launched his
novel ‘Luke Paul’ in May and spoke movingly
about his views on same-sex relationships
and the Church. It was a sign that things are
moving forward and it was encouraging to
hear from members of the Church of
Scotland who are non-judgemental and
welcoming to people of any sexual
orientation and/or gender identity.
As the Equal Marriage campaign
continues, Matthew Middler and Robert
Anderson are aiming to raise money for the
Equality Network by swimming a mile
across Loch Ness in the annual ‘Monster
Swim’ on 18th Aug. Matthew had his first
swimming lesson in May, so we wish him
the very best of luck! You can donate via
www.justgiving.com/matthewmiddler
Awards for All Scotland has given the
Highland LGBT Forum a grant of £7,580
Joanne
Mackenzie-Winters
[email protected]
listings are free
GROUPS
HELPLINES
ABUSED MEN IN SCOTLAND:
Tel: Freefone 0808 8000024 or
Dunfermline (01383) 624411
Support for men surviving domestic abuse.
Office: 0131-447 7449.
www.abusedmeninscotland.org
BREATHING SPACE:
Tel: FreePhone 0800 838587
Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri 6pm-Mon 6am (24
hours at weekends).
www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
CROSSLYNX NATIONAL
TV/TS/TG HELPLINE:
Tel: 0141-847 0787
Mon 7.30-9.30pm.
cxhelpline.tripod.com
CUMBRIA AND THE BORDERS
GAY HELPLINE:
Tel: Bassenthwaite Lake (01768) 776244
Nightly 6-9pm.
DIVERSITAY LGBT SWITCHBOARD:
Tel: Dundee (01382) 202620
Mon 7-9pm.
Write: PO Box 53, Dundee. DD1 3YG.
www.diversitay.org.uk
twitter.com/diversitaylgbt
HATE CRIME REPORTING:
Tel: 0141-847 0647 or
Stirling (01786) 469483
Nightly 7-10pm.
LOTHIAN LGBT HELPLINE:
Tel: 0131-556 4049
Wed 12.30-7pm.
STRATHCLYDE
LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD:
Tel: 0141-847 0447
Nightly 7-10pm.
www.sgls.co.uk
STRATHCLYDE LESBIAN LINE:
Tel: 0141-847 0547
Wed 7.30-10pm.
www.sgls.co.uk/services1
TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST:
Tel: 0808 8021221
Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun Noon-6pm.
The HIV and sexual health charity for life
www.tht.org.uk
lesbian, bisexual and transgender people living
in Scotland. Write: Mansfield Traquair Centre,
15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh. EH3 6BB.
Tel. 0131-474 8019.
www.stonewallscotland.org.uk
EQUALITY NETWORK:
Working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender equality in Scotland. Write: 30
Bernard Street, Edinburgh. EH6 6PR. Tel:
0131-467 6039. Fax: 0131-476 9006. Weekly
e-mail and quarterly paper newsletters on
LGBT equality campaigns and developments.
Regular conferences, forums, and other
events. E-mail or write to join the network.
www.equality-network.org and
twitter.com/LGBTScotland
LESBIAN ARCHIVE :
The UK's largest and most significant
collection of materials relating to lesbian lives.
The collections are based at Glasgow
Women’s Library, 15 Berkeley Street,
Glasgow. G3 7BW. Tel: 0141-248 9969.
www.womenslibrary.org.uk
NATIONAL LGBT FORUM:
Active events calendar for LGBT and other
equality events in Scotland. Comprehensive
directory of LGBT organisations. Free
registration to add campaigns and events to
the Community pages.
www.scottishLGBT.org
PRIDE SCOTIA:
Now busily organising Pride Scotia 2013
which will be held in Edinburgh on 29th June
2013! Tel: 0131-556 9471. Write: 58a
Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA.
www.pride-scotia.org
fb: Pride Scotia
STONEWALL SCOTLAND:
Campaigns for equality and justice for gay,
OLGA - Older Lesbians Get Around:
Meets monthly. Tel: 07813 268938.
LOCAL
ORGANISATIONS
GirlZone:
Friendly, informal social group for LBT and
friends - all welcome. Meets 1st Sat and 3rd
Fri of each month.Tel: Joanne on 07792
223687 for details and venue.
www.gay-ness.org.uk
ANGUS:
INVERNESS:
ALED
(Angus LGBT for Equality and Diversity):
Offers online confidential advice, parental
guidance groups, social events and activities
for anyone 13 and over. Write: c/o 13 Park
View, Brechin. DD9 7AT. Tel: 07719052195 or
Brechin (01356) 629366.
www.aledlgbt.webs.com
fb: Aled Angus Equality Diversity
Highland Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender Forum:
Tel: 07512 231904. PO Box 5735, Inverness.
IV1 9DB.
www.gay-ness.org.uk
AYRSHIRE:
NESA (North, East, South Ayrshire)
Social Support Group:
Meets 3rd Wed of each month at 7pm in
Irvine. Details of venue from David Bingham
on 0141-332 3838 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
BORDERS:
Borders Bisexual Lesbian And Gay Group
(BBLAGG):
Organises social and recreational events for
LGBT adults living in the Scottish Borders.
Events include: pub nights, men’s film nights,
hillwalks, barbeques and an annual visit to
Ireland to take part in North West Pride. Tel:
Alastair Lings on Galashiels (01896) 757861
or 07763 850087.
fb: Borders Bisexual Lesbian And Gay Group
( BBLAGG )
Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum:
Aims to provide advice and act as a consulting
body to all community planning partner
organisations and to develop a range of social
and recreational activities. Write: PO Box
14120, Selkirk. TD7 5WE.
www.scotsborderslgbt.co.uk
fb:Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum
Highland LGBT Social Group:
Regular events and discos in Inverness.
www.gay-ness.org.uk/events.html
Inverness, Highlands and Islands
LGBT Group:
4 King Brude Gardens, Muirtown, Inverness,
IV3 8TT. New Group. Tel: 07833 456341.
MORAY:
Kintyre Embrace:
Meets first Wed of each month, 7-9pm. Tel:
Katrina on 07760 701308.
Clydebank LGBT Group:
Meets Dalmuir CE Centre 6.30-9.30 pm from
Thu 29th Mar and every 4th Thu thereafter.
Tel: Fiona-marie 07974 489520.
Dumfries & Galloway LGBT Centre:
Dumfries based LGBT Centre reaching out to
the whole of Dumfries and Galloway. Groups,
social events, drop-ins, support and
volunteering for LGBT young people, adults
and their families. See What’s On section of
their web site for more details. 88b High
Street, Dumfries. DG1 2BJ. Tel: Dumfries
(01387) 255058. Text: 07786 202 370.
www.lgbtcentredg.co.uk
fb: DumfriesLGBTCentre
DUNDEE:
Diversitay LGBT Group:
Offers support to LGBT people living in
Tayside and North East Fife. Bi monthly
newsletter “Out Now” available from PO Box
53, Dundee, DD1 3YG. Tel: Dundee (01382)
202620.
www.diversitay.org.uk and
twitter.com/diversitaylgbt
DUNFERMLINE:
FifeFLAGS:
Fife Free Lesbian and Gay Society. Provides a
welcoming and safe meeting space and dropin centre near the town centre for the LGBT
community, our friends, family and
supporters. Regular social group meets on the
2nd and 4th Sun of the month from 7.3011pm. Generally has a nice friendly mixed
group most nights across the age range so
come along and meet new friends. Internet
access, mini pool table or just hang out and
chill over coffee and biscuits. Safer sex
information and supplies available as part of
the Fife Health Board condom distribution
scheme. Tel: Dunfermline (01383) 738517.
www.fifeflags.org.uk
EDINBURGH:
Couple Counselling Lothian:
Scotland’s oldest and largest relationship
counselling agency promotes the wellbeing
and longevity of same sex relationships. 65
years experience of serving clients in
Edinburgh and the Lothians. Tel: 0131-556
1527.
www.cclothian.org.uk
Edinburgh LGBT Centre:
Owned and managed by Lesbian Gay and
Bisexual Community Project Limited, which is
registered as a Scottish Charity and as a
Scottish Company. Bought in 1974 by the
Scottish Minorities Group, it is the only LGBTowned LGBT Centre in the UK and is also the
oldest LGBT Centre outwith the USA. Write:
Edinburgh LGBT Centre, 58a/60 Broughton
Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. Tel: 0131-556
9471. Meeting Room Booking Tel: 07817
533337.
E-mail: edinburghlgbtcentre
@drink.demon.co.uk
Icebreakers:
Social group for LGBT people who want to
make friendships and feel more at ease in the
company of other gay people. Takes place
Highland Lesbian Group:
A friendly lesbian social group which offers
support and information. Organises
fundraisers for Womankind Worldwide:
www.freewebs.com/highlandlesbiangroup
www.womankind.org.uk
NATIONAL:
CAMERADERIE LESBIAN PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP:
Meets monthly in and around the
Tayside/Dundee/Aberdeenshire area, weather
permitting.
LESBIAN INFORMATION SERVICE:
www.lesbianinformationservice.org
LGBT Moray
Social networking group for LGBT people in
Moray. 1st Tue & 4th Thu of each month: Get
together at The Muckle Cross Pub, 34 High
Street, Elgin from 7.30pm. 3rd Sat of each
month: Get together at Time Out Café, 79 High
Street, Forres from 10.30am. For all meetings,
look for rainbow coloured bag and VW
camper money box on table. For further info
or to be met in advance: Tel: 07598 418638.
OUT-SKIRTS:
Quarterly e-zine for lesbian and bi women in
the East of Scotland and beyond.
OBAN:
YOUNG LESBIANS:
See our Youth Groups listings.
Gateway Group:
Meets last Sat of each month, 2-4pm. Tel:
Katrina on 07760 701308.
BISEXUALS
STIRLING:
Stirling Gay Men's Social Group
Meets monthly from Sep-Jun (generally 3rd
Fri) in private houses.
CAMPBELTOWN:
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY:
OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND:
Scotland's oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender rights organisation. It was
founded in 1969 as the Scottish Minorities
Group, later became the Scottish Homosexual
Rights Group and changed its name to
OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND in December 1992.
Currently hibernating.
Pride Glasgow:
Tel: 0141-416 2300.
www.prideglasgow.co.uk
Clyde Men:
Social/support/information group for gay and
bisexual men. Meets monthly in central
Greenock location. Tel: Criz on 0141-552
0112.
PUBLICATIONS
NATIONAL
ORGANISATIONS
Icebreakers Group:
For lesbians, gays and bisexuals new to the
scene. Details from Strathclyde Switchboard.
INVERNESS:
CLYDEBANK:
LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS:
Queer alternative DIY magazine for women.
E-mail: info@
lockupyourdaughtersmagazine.co.uk
www.lockupyourdaughtersmagazine.co.uk
GLASGOW:
Glasgow Women's Library:
15 Berkeley Street, Glasgow. G3 7BW. Tel:
0141-248 9969. Provides a library, archive, is
an Accredited Museum and also houses the
UK’s national Lesbian Archives. Range of
events, courses and other activities delivered
through their learning programmes, along
with an Adult Literacy and Numeracy Project
and Black and Minority Ethnic Women’s
Project. Check website for more info.
www.womenslibrary.org.uk
INVERCLYDE:
LONDON SWITCHBOARD:
Tel: 0300 3300630
FAX: 020-7837 7300
Daily 10am-11pm.
www.llgs.org.uk
www.turingnetwork.org.uk
SCOTSGAY:
Monthly magazine edited, printed and
published in Scotland since 1994. All of the
words from the magazine can be found on our
website as well as interactive Meet Market and
our Listings which are frequently updated.
Sample copy available by phoning 0906
1100256 (calls cost no more than £2). Tel:
0845 1208062 (+44 131-539 0666). Fax:
0131-539 2999. Write: PO Box 666,
Edinburgh. EH7 5YW.
www.scotsgay.co.uk
from 7.30-9.30pm in The Regent on 2nd Wed
of each month. If you're recently out or new to
Edinburgh or just feel a bit cut off and want a
break, come along.
WOMEN'S LISTINGS
ABERDEEN:
Granite Sisters:
Aberdeen based group for older lesbians
throughout Scotland. There are no social
events planned for the near future and the
website is the main link at this time for gay
women to gain information, etc. Although
under construction at the moment it will be
completed ASAP.
E-mail: [email protected] www.13.clara.co.uk
DUNDEE:
Outskirtsocial:
Social group for LBT women in the East of
Scotland. An opportunity for women to make
new friends, connect up with existing ones
and generally have some fun. Administered by
the editing group of the Out-skirts online
magazine
fb: Outskirtsocial
twitter.com/#!/Outskirtsocial
EDINBURGH:
AD Group:
Social group exclusively for lesbians over 40
who have come to terms with their sexuality
as lesbians. Meets each month to plan social
activities such as cinema, meals out, walks
and more.
Amazing Gracies Women’s Football Club:
Meets Wed 7-8pm at Gracemount Leisure
Centre, 22 Gracemount Drive.
www.amazinggraciesfc.webs.com
Ladybird Book Group:
Friendly and social lesbian book group meets
2nd Tue of each month from 7.45pm in Café
Nom De Plume. Newcomers welcome.
Contact for more information and details of
books coming up this year.
Rubyfruits Edinburgh:
For lesbians and bi women. Meets Wed eve
anytime after 7.30pm in Café Nom De Plume,
60 Broughton Street. Widen your social circle,
network, plan weekend/eve activities (eg
walking, cinema, exhibitions) and maybe meet
that special somebody.
www.rubyfruitsedinburgh.webs.com
Women’s Group:
New group offering the chance to meet other
women in a relaxed environment. Chat and
information on health and wellbeing issues, as
well as activities in and out the Centre. 2nd &
4th Fri of each monthfrom 2-4.30pm at the
LGBT Centre for Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe
Street. Tel: Alison on 0131-652 3283.
Word:
Women’s Book Group 7.30-9pm) on 2nd Wed
of each month at the LGBT Centre for Health
and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh.
Interested in reading and want to meet friends
who share your passion? Join this friendly
women’s book group.
GLASGOW:
Sandyford: 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3
7NB. Sandyford provides sexual, reproductive
and emotional health services for all lesbian
and bisexual women. Tel: 0141-211 8130 for
further information on sexual and reproductive
services or Tel: 0141-211 6700 for counselling
services. All services available at a range of
locations throughout NHS Greater Glasgow
and Clyde area.
www.sandyford.org
SCOTTISH NETWORK FOR LESBIAN
STRENGTH:
To further lesbian issues, follow a lesbian
agenda and foster lesbian visibility.
www.freewebs.com/highlandlesbiangroup
BISCOTLAND:
Support and social network for people who
are bisexual or questioning their sexuality.
Also organises training and activist activities
in support of bisexual visibility and pride.
Informal 'safe space' meetings are held on
1st Wed of each month in Glasgow (Contact
for venue details). Meetings also held
occasionally in Edinburgh (at the LGBT Centre
for Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street).
Meetings (open to all bi or questioning
people) are usually followed by social
gatherings which are open to partners or
friends. Information line: 07963 960321.
www.biscotland.org
ABUSE
BROKEN RAINBOW LGBT DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE SERVICE (UK):
Works to change the situation for LGBT
people facing domestic violence. Runs a
helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender people, their family, friends, and
agencies to support LGBT people around
domestic violence. Mon & Thu 2-8pm,Tue &
Wed 10am-5pm. Tel: 0300 999 5428.
www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
fb: brokenrainbowuk
www.twitter.com/brokenrainbow
RAPE AND ABUSE LINE:
For male and female survivors. Female
Support Workers answer Freephone 0808
8000123 most evenings and Male Support
Workers answer Freephone 0808 8000122
on selected evenings. the Helpline hours are
advised on both answering services. Callers
are welcome to phone either line. Write: PO
Box 10, Dingwall. IV15 9HA.
www.rapeandabuseline.co.uk
RAPE CRISIS SCOTLAND HELPLINE:
Scotland-wide telephone service providing
support to women and men experiencing
sexual violence, as well as their friends and
families. Tel: Freephone 0808 8010302 (6pmMidnight). Minicom available.
www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
THRIVE:
Counselling service for male survivors of
childhood sexual abuse. Write: Sandyford
Counselling & Support Services, 2-6
Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3 7NB. Tel:
0141-211 8133 or 0141-211 6700.
ATHEISTS AND
HUMANISTS
GAY AND LESBIAN HUMANIST
ASSOCIATION:
GALHA is a membership organisation
promoting a gay-friendly Humanist outlook
and LGBT rights as human rights.
Membership is open to supporters
worldwide. Write: GALHA, 1 Gower Street,
London. WC1E 6HD.
www.galha.org
PINK TRIANGLE TRUST:
PTT is a gay Humanist charity which can
arrange non-religious ceremonies of love and
commitment for lesbian and gay couples at
very reasonable rates in most parts of
Scotland. Sponsors of LGBT History Month.
Write: 34 Spring Lane, Kenilworth,
Warwickshire. CV8 2HB. Tel: Kenilworth
(01926) 858450.
www.pinktriangle.org.uk
Lively Blog at
www.pinktriangle.org.uk/ptt/blog.html
Internet Magazine (The Pink Humanist) at
www.thepinkhumanist.com
BEARS
BEARSCOTS:
The national group for bears, big boys, their
friends and admirers. Glasgow Bear Weekend
(1st weekend of each month): Bears in the
West, Underground Bar, Fri 9pm-1am.
Edinburgh Bear Weekend (2nd weekend of
each month): Bears in the East, New Town
Bar, Sat 10pm-2am. Check website for details
of events around Scotland.
www.bearscots.org.uk
fb: bear.scots
BELIEVERS
AFFIRMATION SCOTLAND:
Network in the Church of Scotland of lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender Christians, their
friends and supporters. Formed in 2006 in
response to the issue of ministers and
deacons being able to conduct ceremonies to
mark civil partnerships without fear of
censure. Write: Monica Stewart, 37 Main
Street, Invergowrie. DD2 5AB.
www.affirmationscotland.org.uk
AUGUSTINE UNITED CHURCH:
41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. EH1 1EL.
Meets Sun 11am - LGBT people especially
welcome. Last Sat of each month: Our Tribe
(LGBT worship) 7pm. Transcendence group
to support Transgender people. Tel: 07957
543359.
www.augustine.org.uk
EDINBURGH QUAKER LESBIAN AND GAY
FELLOWSHIP:
Meets on the 2nd Wed of each month at 7pm
in the Glasite Meeting House, 33 Barony
Street. Members of the LGBT Community and
their friends are most welcome. Tel: 07543
975590.
EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP FOR LESBIAN
& GAY CHRISTIANS:
Lesbian, gay or bisexual? From an Evangelical
tradition? So are they. Tel: Andrew on Mid
Calder (01506) 499926. Write: c/o Flat 3, 7
Upper Tollington Park, Finsbury Park, London.
N4 3EJ.
www.eflgc.org.uk
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH IN
GLASGOW:
A church of the LGBT communities
welcoming all people. Meets for worship Sun
3pm at Ibrox Parish Church, 67 Clifford Street.
Tel or Text: 07972 139128.
www.mccinglasgow.co.uk
QUAKER LESBIAN AND GAY FELLOWSHIP:
A welcoming and supportive national group
for people of all sexual orientations and their
friends. Write: Roy Vickery, 9 Terrapin Court,
Terrapin Road, London. SW17 8QW.
www.qlgf.org.uk
QUEST:
Organisation for lesbian and gay Catholics.
Monthly meetings are held in different
regional groups throughout Britain. Scottish
meetings held in Glasgow. Quest Linkline The Helpline for Gay and Lesbian Catholics Tel: (Freephone) 0808 808 0234. Write: BM
Box 2585, LONDON. WC1N 3xx.
www.questgaycatholic.org.uk
ROMAN CATHOLIC CAUCUS OF THE
LESBIAN & GAY CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT:
Write: RC Caucus, PO Box 24632, London. E9
6xF. Tel: 020-7226 0847.
SGI-UK (SCOTLAND):
Buddhist organisation established in more
than 190 countries throughout the world.
Their belief and practice direct people to
respect that which is of ultimate value: life
itself. Through their faith and practice,
members transform their inner lives and
develop the qualities needed to bring about
personal fulfillment and contribute to the
positive development of society. SGI-UK has
participated in Pride events throughout the
world and is now known as Rainbow
activities.
www.sgi-uk.org
UNITARIANS IN EDINBURGH:
An inclusive community of diverse beliefs
which supports the pursuit of individual
spirituality and humanism. Meets at St Mark’s,
7 Castle Terrace at 11am on Sun and for
Mindfulness @ Lunchtime at 12.15pm on
Tue. Relationship blessings conducted.
www.edinburgh-unitarians.co.uk
CULTURAL
THE BIG LGBT MUSIC JAM:
Meets 1-4pm on 1st Sat of each month at the
LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9
Howe Street, Edinburgh. A creative and
supportive space for making music. Play, sing
your own song, or just be an appreciative
listener. No need to book, just turn up. Bring
your own instruments, some percussion
supplied.
E-mail:
[email protected]
THE CULTURE CLUB:
Meets 7-8.30pm on 1st Wed of each month
at the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing,
9 Howe Street, Edinburgh to talk about
current arts affairs, exhibitions, events, ideas,
music, and creativity. A safe space to discuss
the arts at large.
EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S BOOK GROUP:
Meets 7-9pm on 4th Wed of each month at
the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9
Howe Street, Edinburgh. An inclusive group
where you can meet new people and read and
discuss interesting books.
EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S CHORUS:
Brings together individuals interested in
singing a fun repertoire, including pop, rock
and songs from the shows and movies. Now
is a great time to get involved, whether you're
a closet shower singer or have some
experience. Rehearses Tue eve in Central
Edinburgh. For full details and to sign-up:
www.egmc.co.uk
GAY GORDONS EDINBURGH:
Scotland's first LGBTQ Scottish country
dance group with a good mix of women and
men. Meets Mon 7.30-9.30pm at St Stephen’s
Centre, Stockbridge.Always very welcoming of
new members, especially those new to
Scottish Country Dancing.
www.gaygordonsedinburgh.co.uk
GLASGAY!:
Scotland's annual celebration of queer culture.
Next dates: 15th Oct-3rd Nov 2012. Please
contact the festival office for further
information about Glasgay!. Write: 27-29
Trongate, Glasgow. G1 5EZ. Tel: 0141-552
7575.
www.glasgay.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL KILT APPRECIATION
SOCIETY (IKAS):
Contact and social group for guys interested in
viewing/wearing kilts. Regular newsletter.
Write: Mervyn Tacy, 'Ziveli', 20 Ordsall Park
Road, Retford. DN22 7PA. Please enclose sae.
Tel: 01777 708270.
www.freewebs.com/ikas
LGBT FILM CLUB:
Meets 6.30-9.30pm on 4th Fri of each month
at the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9
Howe Street, Edinburgh. Documentaries,
shorts and full length films with an LGBT twist
screened. Open to anyone keen to view and
discuss films in a friendly and welcoming
environment. Get in touch if you have a film
you would like to share with the club. Check
website, Facebook or Twitter for what is being
shown.
www.lgbthealth.org.uk
LGBT HISTORY MONTH SCOTLAND:
Increasing the awareness of LGBT people’s
lives, histories and experiences. The website
provides listings for cultural opportunities,
events, news items, and resources. If you
would like to be involved, volunteer or add
information, contact LGBT History Month, 3940 Commerce Street, Edinburgh. EH6 6HD.
www.lgbthistory.org.uk
LOUD & PROUD:
Scotland's original choir for LGBT singers is
made up of approximately 45 singers and
holds regular concerts in the Central Belt. The
repertoire, which is sung a capella in varying
numbers of parts, includes simple rounds,
popular music, traditional music, light classics,
festive and seasonal songs, lesbian/gay
anthems, and show tunes. Meets weekly for
rehearsals in Edinburgh.
www.loudandproudchoir.org
LUVVIES THEATRE COMPANY:
Edinburgh based LGBT theatre company,
which aims to give LGBT people the
opportunity to act, direct, produce or organise
theatre or take part in any aspect of the
creative process. No previous experience is
necessary. Tel: 07854 836605.
www.theluvvies.org
OURSTORY SCOTLAND:
A charity which works to collect, archive and
present the life stories and experiences of the
LGBT Community in Scotland. If you have a
story to tell or experiences to share, or would
like to find out more about their upcoming
programme of events, then please contact
them. Write: OurStory Scotland, Archives and
Special Collections, The Mitchell Library, North
Street, Glasgow. G3 7DN.
www.ourstoryscotland.org.uk
PINK CASTLE PHILOSOPHY CLUB:
Meets 2nd Tue of each month at 7.30pm in
Riverside Lounge, Glen Mhor Hotel, 8-15
Ness Bank, Inverness. IV2 4SG. Tel: Morgan
on 07745 930383.
www.pinkcastle.eu
REMEMBER WHEN PROJECT:
Documenting the collective history of
Edinburgh's LGBT communities, recording
life-stories and personal memories across the
generations, and celebrating our rich and
varied contributions to the quality of life in the
city. The culmination of this work was an
exhibition entitled 'Rainbow City: Stories from
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Edinburgh' held at the City Art Centre,
Edinburgh in 2006. Write: Remember When
Project, c/o The Living Memory Association,
The Stables, 64/1 The Causeway, Edinburgh.
EH15 3PZ. Tel: 0131-661 3222, and leave a
message, stating clearly that it is for
Remember When.
FETISH
MSC SCOTLAND:
A club for men interested in Leather, Rubber,
Uniform. Write: PO Box 28, Edinburgh. EH3
5JL.
www.msc-scotland.net
HEALTH AND
ABILITIES
AL-ANON:
Fellowship of relatives and friends of
alcoholics who share their experience,
strength and hope in order to solve their
common problem. Anyone affected by
another person’s drinking is welcome. LGBT &
Friends Group meets Thu 6.45-7.45pm at
Edinburgh LGBT Centre, 58a/60 Broughton
Street. Tel: Catherine on 07940 473150.
www.al-anonuk.org.uk
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS:
Whilst AA runs the f ollowing LGBT meetings
in Edinburgh and Glasgow, please note that it
is a non restrictive organisation and LGBT
people are welcome at any meeting.
AA Edinburgh: Tue 8pm (Edinburgh Peace
And Justice Resource Centre, St John’s
Church, Princes Street). Please note that the
last meeting of the month is open to non AA
members.
AA Glasgow: Tue 7.30pm (Spoon Café, 46
Trongate), Fri 7.30pm (The Ogilvie Centre, 25
Rose Street).
AA National: Helpline: 0845 7697555 (24
hours). Northern Service Office: 0141-226
2214.
www.alcoholicsanonymous.org.uk
ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY
LGBT SUPPORT GROUP:
Trained and skilled volunteers able to offer
understanding and a listening ear to LGBT
people affected by Alzheimer’s disease or any
other form of dementia.To contact: Tel the
Alzheimer's Helpline on 0845 300 0336
or write to Alzheimer's Society LGBT Support
Group, Alzheimer's Society, Devon House, 58
Saint Katharine's Way, London. E1W 1Jx. or
www.alzheimers.org.uk
/Gay_Carers/index.htm
BIPOLAR SCOTLAND
LGBT SELF HELP GROUP:
For LGBT people with bipolar disorder, and
their carers, family and friends. Meets 7-9pm
on 1st Tue of each month at Terrence Higgins
Trust, Rothesay House, 134 Douglas Street,
Glasgow. No need for referral, just come along
on the night. Tel: Aileen on 0141-560 2050.
BODY POSITIVE (TAYSIDE):
No 10, 10 Constitution Road, Dundee. DD11
1LL. A charity that exists to empower HIV and
HepC positive people and those affected
thereby to eliminate the stigma and isolation
they experience. Tel: Dundee (01382) 305736.
BROWNLEE CENTRE (GLASGOW):
Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great
Western Road, Glasgow. G12 0YN.
Confidential information, advice, counselling
and direct access testing for HIV, Hepatitis and
Syphilis. The Centre provides ongoing medical
and social care for people with HIV infection,
plus psychological and emotional support for
people living with HIV and Hepatitis C
infections, as well as one to one counselling
for people at risk of HIV. Tel: 0141-211 1089.
Fax: 0141-211 1097. Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Tue
5-6.30pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm.
BROWNLEE COMMUNITY TEAM:
Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great
Western Road, Glasgow. G12 0YN. Social
work service for people with HIV/AIDS
providing intensive community based support.
General advice and information on community
care and housing needs also provided.
Tel: 0141-211 1090.
GAY MEN'S HEALTH ABERDEEN:
246 George Street, Aberdeen. AB25 1HN. HIV
prevention and support services in Grampian
including Community Support, Group Support
and LGBT Youth groups. Tel: Aberdeen
(01224) 930355 or 07858 893829.
www.gmh.org.uk
GAY MEN'S HEALTH EDINBURGH:
10 Union Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LU. A
community led Lothian wide project for gay
and bisexual men. Wide ranging volunteering
opportunities which provide services including
support and counselling, scene work, peer
education and training, provision of condoms,
lube and Safer Sex information.
Tel: 0131-558 9444.
www.gmh.org.uk
GAY MEN'S HEALTH GLASGOW:
4th Floor, 30 Bell Street, Glasgow. G1 1LG. Tel:
0141-552 0112. A community led project
across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health
Board Area for gay and bisexual men. Wide
ranging volunteering opportunities which
provide services including support, scene
work, peer education and training, provision of
condoms, lube and Safer Sex info.
www.gmh.org.uk
HIV-AIDS CARERS AND FAMILIES SERVICE
PROVIDER SCOTLAND:
10 Elderpark Workspace, 100 Elderpark
Street, Glasgow. G51 3TR. Mon-Fri 10am5pm. Telephone Support Service: 07778
117900 Mon-Fri 7pm-10pm. Tel: 0141-445
8797.
www.hiv-aids-carers.org.uk
HIV SCOTLAND:
Suite 2, 27 Beaverhall Road, Edinburgh. EH7
4JE. Tel: 0131-558 3713. Fax: 0131-558 9887.
The national policy charity for HIV in Scotland.
Speaks out for people living with HIV and
provides knowledge and expertise to help
inform and deliver strong policies and effective
strategies to tackle the spread of HIV in
Scotland.
www.hivscotland.com
THE JANEK LATOSINSKI
CHARITABLE TRUST:
Provides free complementary therapies and
psychotherapy to all people living with HIV in
Glasgow and the West of Scotland.
www.tjlct.org.uk
LANARKSHIRE
HIV, AIDS AND HEPATITIS CENTRE:
Monklands Hospital, Airdrie. One stop shop
for HIV testing, treatment and support.
Appointments available Mon 9am-5pm (eve
available by request). Tel: Airdrie (01236)
712247. Support group for HIV Positive men
also available.
LGBT CENTRE FOR
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6TE. This
unique Centre exists to improve the physical,
mental and social wellbeing of LGBT people
living in, working in and travelling to
Edinburgh. Runs events, workshops and
courses promoting healthy lifestyles,including
the LGBT Headspace programme focusing on
improved mental health and the LGBT Age
programme offering services to those over 50.
The Centre also provides a wide range of
information on health and LGBT topics, offers
one to one support services and supports
community groups. Tel: 0131-523 1100.
www.lgbthealth.org.uk
POSITIVE HELP:
13a Great King Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6QW.
Practical help for people who are infected or
affected by HIV and AIDS in Edinburgh, their
families and carers. Tel: 0131-558 1122. Fax:
0131-558 3636.
www.positivehelpedinburgh.uk
POSITIVE MIXTURE :
A self help group offering support and
assistance for individuals with HIV/AIDS in the
Grampian area. Contact THT, 246 George
Street, Aberdeen. AB25 1HN.
ROAM OUTREACH:
Part of the Harm Reduction Team within
Lothian NHS. Offers a confidential and
anonymous service for men who have sex
with men, including male sex workers
throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Provides a wide range of services including
sexual health and safer sex advice, information
and advice on drug use, personal safety, police
and legal advice, including operating in the
Remote Reporting Scheme. A great deal of
their work is done on an outreach basis in
Public Sex Environments and venues as well
as on-line as part of the SNN group. They run
an 'Out of Hours' Testing Service Mon 57.30pm at "The Exchange", Lady Lawson
Street, Edinburgh where you can have a full
SEXUAL HEALTH check up including Hep
A&B vaccinations. No appointments
necessary. For further information or to
receive condom and lube supplies contact
Vaughan, Peter or Del on Tel: 0131-537 8300
or 07774 628227.
www.roam-outreach.com
SANDYFORD:
2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3 7NB.
Glasgow's main sexual, reproductive and
emotional health centre. Free web access and
health library with large LGBT lending
collection. Specialist services for gay men
(See separate ScotsGay Listing for Steve
Retson Project) and lesbians (See separate
ScotsGay listing for Sandyford under
Women). Self-referal sexual health service
with open access clinic each weekday with
registration from 8.30-10am or book on 0141211 8130.
www.sandyford.org
SEXUAL HEALTH LINE:
Freephone 0800 567123. 24 hours.
Confidential advice and information. Minicom:
Freephone 0800 521361.
www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout
STEVE RETSON PROJECT:
Sandyford, 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3
7NB. A free sexual health screening and
counselling service for gay and bisexual men.
Clinics run Tue, Wed & Thu 5-8pm. Tel: 0141211 8628 for appointment..
www.sandyford.org/sexual-orientation/
men-who-have-sex-withmen/steve-retson-project.aspx
TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SCOTLAND NATIONAL OFFICE - GLASGOW:
134 Douglas Street, Glasgow. G2 4HF. HIV
prevention and support services in
Lanarkshire, Ayrshire & Arran, Argyll & Bute,
the Glasgow area and Western Central
Scotland. Support & Advocacy Service
provides a full range of welfare rights advice
and representation as well as community
support for people living with blood borne
viruses. Also provides a range of health
promotion services for gay and bisexual men
throughout the West of Scotland. Contact for
further details. Volunteers welcome! Tel: 0141332 3838. Fax: 0141-332 3755. Helpline: THT
Direct 0845 1221200 Mon-Fri 10am-10pm,
Sat-Sun Noon-6pm.
www.tht.org.uk
TOGETHER:
Social/support/information group for gay and
bisexual men living with HIV. Meets 2nd Tue of
each month from 7-9pm (new members
invited from 6.30pm). Tel: Criz on 0141-552
0112.
www.gmh.org.uk/together
WAVERLEY CARE:
3 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh. EH3 6NB.
Scotland's leading charity providing care and
support to people affected by HIV and
Hepatitis C. Whether someone is living with
HIV or Hepatitis C or are the partner or family
member of someone affected by these
conditions, Waverley Care has services that
can support them and provide up to date,
accurate information and resources. Services
include: Short-term Residential Intensive
Support, Support Services for all, including
specialist services for gay men, Community
Support and Outreach Services (including
Advocacy and Information, Arts Project,
Befriending/Buddying, Care at Home, Spiritual
and Pastoral Care, Complementary Therapies,
Counselling, Health Promotion), Prevention
and Awareness Raising. Tel: Neil - Gay Men's
Support Worker on 07962 909730 or Tel:
0131-558 1425 Mon-Fri 9-5pm or Tel: 0131441 6989 24hrs, 7 days per week. To become
a Buddy with Waverley Care, Tel: Kelly
McKnight on 07929 132675 or 0131-312
9953 or Annette Wilson on 0131-441 2791.
www.waverleycare.org
WAVERLEY CARE ARGYLL & BUTE:
The Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street,
Glasgow. G2 4JP. Tel: 0141-333 9393.
WAVERLEY CARE HIGHLAND:
34 Waterloo Place, Inverness. IV1 1NB.Tel:
Inverness (01463) 711585
OLDER GAYS
CAFFMOS:
Nationwide Social and Contacts Club for the
older gay gentleman and his admirers, both
young and old. Scottish group next meets
from 1-4pm at Café Habana in Edinburgh on
Sun 19th Aug, 23rd Sep, 14th Oct. Write: PO
Box 2087, Blackpool. FY4 1WL. Tel: Blackpool
(01253) 318327.
Edward (Scottish Contact):
www.caffmoscommunity.com
HIGHLAND RAINBOW FOLK:
Independent working group which raises
awareness of issues facing older LGBT people.
Monthly meetings in Inverness. Tel: Suzy on
07791 874583.
Email: [email protected]
www.spanglefishcom/highlandrainbowfolk
LGBT AGE:
Support service for LGBT people over 50
years old in Edinburgh and the Lothians,
which will offer befriending, social events,
information and advocacy. Please help spread
the word to any older LGBT people you know.
Anyone interested in using the service or
volunteering, please call Garry on 0131-523
1107. The Age Capacity Building Project for
people over 65 is seeking input, for further
information contact Tel: 0131-523 1100.
www.lgbthealth.org.uk/content/lgbt-age
PRIME TIME (EDINBURGH):
Informal social group for men over 40. Meets
in GMH, 10 Union Street, from 2-4.30pm on
1st and 3rd Sun of each month. Tel: John on
0131-556 1309 or Steve on 0131-558 9444.
PRIME TIME (GLASGOW):
Social group for gay and bisexual men 40+.
Meets twice a month in central Glasgow from
3pm. Tel: Criz on 0141-552 0112.
ORDER OF
PERPETUAL
INDULGENCE
The Sisters and Brothers of the OPI are part
of a world wide order of queer men and
women of all sexualities which is open to all
who feel the habit. Its tenets are: The
expiation of stigmatic guilt and the
promulgation of universal joy through
habitual manifestation and perpetual
perpetration.
www.thesisters.org.uk
OPI CONVENT OF DUNN EIDEANN:
The Edinburgh convent. Write: Mistress of
Communications, c/o PO Box 666,
Edinburgh. EH7 5YW.
OPI CONVENT OF MORAVIA:
The North Eastern convent. Write: Sister
Bobby OPI, Cairnglass, St Combs,
Fraserburgh. AB43 8UT. Tel: Inverallochy
(01346) 583145.
OUTDOOR
PURSUITS
FREEDOM CLUB:
UK and Europe Wide LGBT Caravan and
Camping Club. Aims to provide a means
whereby gay people can meet up for
weekends, weeks or even longer rallies
throughout the UK and sometimes into
Ireland and Europe. Tel: Eddie on Cheltenham
(01242) 526826.
www.freedomclub.co..uk
GAY BIRDERS CLUB:
For LGBT Birdwatchers. Write: Gay Birders
Club, GeeBeeCee, BCM-Mono, London.
WC1N 3XX.
www.gbc-online.org.uk
GAY CARAVAN & CAMPING CLUB:
For men and women.
Tel: Ian on 07977 317872.
www.gaycaravanclub.com
GAY OUTDOOR CLUB:
Holds regular events including walking,
skiing, cycling, climbing, mountain-biking,
kayaking, mountaineering, camping, youthhostelling, badminton, running and
swimming. For more information, vist
website or send an A5 sae to BM GOC,
London. WC1N 3XX. Or Tel: 0844 8700462.
www.goc.org.uk
GLASGOW GAY RAMBLERS GROUP:
Leisurely walks in the countryside. Bring
sensible footwear/clothing and packed lunch.
2nd Sat of each month. Meet at Mitchell
Library, Berkeley Street. No membership just turn up. Cars normally shared. Tel:
Robert on 0141-950 1081.
OUT DOOR LADS:
A UK-Wide, web-based organisation, offering
a wide range of activities: from camping,
hostelling, hill-walking and indoor climbing,
to the more extreme activities like gorge
scrambling, ice climbing, technical mountain
biking and many more. There's something
for everyone, no matter what your interest.
Core membership is Gay and Bi-sexual lads,
aged 18-35, but OutdoorLads does not
discriminate on any grounds including age,
sexuality, disability or sex, and welcomes
anyone who agrees with the group's aims
and objectives.
TARTAN TRAVELLERS:
Scottish based club for all LGBT fans of
caravanning, camping and motorhoming.
Arranges meets, social events and more. Tel:
Craig on 07972 881155.
www.tartantravellers.wix.com/info
PARENTS
GAY DADS SCOTLAND:
Support group for gay fathers. Meets on last
Thu of each month (except Dec) in a private
room in Edinburgh LGBT Centre, 58a
Broughton Street. Assemble in Café Nom de
Plume first from 8pm - look out for sign on
table. Gay dads from all over Scotland
welcome.
www.gaydadsscotland.org.uk
PARENTS' ENQUIRY SCOTLAND:
Coming out? Information and support for
parents of LGBT people. Helpline and admin:
Tel: 0131-556 6047 before 10pm. Write: c/o
ScotsGay Magazine, PO Box 666, Edinburgh.
EH7 5YW.
www.parentsenquiryscotland.org
RAINBOW FAMILIES:
Quarterly events for anyone looking to meet
other LGBT parents, share experiences and
socialise in a family setting. Tel: Jules Barnes
on 0131-523 1104.
POLITICAL
LIBERAL PARTY
LESBIAN AND GAY CAMPAIGN:
Tel: 0151-259 5935 (Telephone Answering
Machine). Write: 41 Sutton Street, Liverpool,
L13 7EG.
www.liberal.org.uk
SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
FOR LGBT EQUALITY:
Tel: 0131-337 2314. Write: 4 Clifton Terrace,
Edinburgh. EH12 5DR.
www.scotlibdems.org.uk
www.twitter.com/scotlibdems
PRISONERS
FREE MAGAZINES FOR PRISONERS:
Copies of ScotsGay are sent free of charge to
prisoners in UK prisons and institutions.
Please contact us if you wish to be added to
the mailing list.
BENT BARS PROJECT:
Letter writing programme that connects
lebian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual,
intersex, queer and gender non-conforming
communities across prison walls.
www.bentbarsproject.org
LEAP SPORTS SCOTLAND:
Challenges homophobia, biphobia and
transphobia in sport and showcases LGBT
people’s participation in sport. Tel: 07738
456852.
www.leapsports.org
REAL ALE
SALTIRE THISTLE FC:
LGBT-friendly football team based in Glasgow
open to all from Scotland. Training on Wed at
Glasgow Green, open kickabouts on Fri at
Crownpoint and matches most Sun in
different venues across the West. All abilities
and skills are welcome plus those who want to
watch and support. Regular social events
organised too.
www.clubwebsite.co.uk/saltirethistle
LESBIAN AND GAY REAL ALE DRINKERS:
The Edinburgh group of CAMRA's Task Group
for LGBT real ale and cider fans. Meets in The
Regent on the 1st Mon of each month from
9pm to sample the brewers' art - Aug 2nd
Mon (to avoid GBBF). Tel: Karen on 0131-557
8790.
www.lagrad-edinburgh.org.uk
and www.lagrad.org.uk
RESIDENTIAL
EVENTS
EDWARD CARPENTER
COMMUNITY OF GAY MEN:
Committed to principles of caring, trusting,
personal growth, sharing, and creativity aimed
at nurturing 'community' as an alternative to
the commercial scene. Organises Gay Men's
Weeks and shorter events each year in SW
Scotland, the English Lake District and other
venues across the UK. Write: Edward
Carpenter Community, BM ECC, London.
WC1N 3xx. Tel: 08703 215121.
E-mail: contact_ecc
@edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk
www.gaycommunity.org.uk
MEN4MEN - SCOTLAND
"All of you is welcome – your shadow and
your light." A group of men who are attracted
to men committed to a journey of knowing
themselves and how they relate to others and
their environment. Seekers of an inner peace
they explore and stretch their psychological,
emotional, physical, social, spiritual and sexual
limits whilst respecting each other’s personal
boundaries in a loving, sacred, safe and
supporting space. They aspire to be their
authentic selves.
www.men4men.org.uk
THE FINDHORN FOUNDATION:
Spiritual community, ecovillage and holistic
learning centre. Offers regular residential
workshops and retreats for gay men and
lesbians at Findhorn in the North East of
Scotland, and at its retreat house on the
peaceful island of Iona. Tel: Findhorn (01309)
690311.
E-mail:[email protected]
http://bit.ly/findhorn-lgbt for all Findhorn
Foundation gay and lesbian workshops, or
http://www.findhorn.org/ for information
about all the Foundation’s activities.
SPORTS
CALEDONIAN THEBANS RFC:
Caledonian Thebans Rugby Football Club is
Scotland's first gay/bi friendly rugby club.
Offers gay/bi/trans men the chance to learn
the game and play rugby in a safe and
supportive environment. Welcomes new
players (+18) at any level or experience and
new supporters to the club. If you're interested
in playing or supporting gay rugby in
Scotland, please get in touch. Come along and
get fit! Tel: 07758 668784 or Text "thebans" to
60300.
www.thebans-rfc.co.uk
SHUTTLESCOTS BADMINTON CLUB:
Friendly and relaxed group of mixed ability
players, including beginners. Meets 7-9pm
every Tue at Meadowbank Stadium,
Edinburgh with a coach on hand every other
week and doubles social play in between. The
club is a great opportunity to meet new
people, make friends and get some exercise.
www.shuttlescots.co.uk
TEAM SCOTLAND BADMINTON CLUB:
Glasgow based gay and lesbian badminton
club meets Sun Noon-2pm at National
Badminton Academy, Scotstoun for
competitive games. International tournaments
and matches against clubs in London and
Europe are held annually. Sorry - no
beginners. Tel: Raymond on 0141-778 9220.
Many Universities and Colleges have Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Societies.
Contact these via your Student Union or
Student Association. ScotsGay also links to a
number of LGBT Soc websites from our own
web page at www.scotsgay.co.uk. Tel: NUS
Scotland LGBT Officer on 0131-556 6598 or .
Fax: 0131-557 5679. Write: Hazel Marzetti,
LGBT Officer, NUS Scotland, 29 Forth Street,
Edinburgh. EH1 3LE.
E-mail: [email protected] or
[email protected]
GAY FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS NETWORK:
Write: GFSN Membership Secretary, PO Box
7424, Milton Keynes. MK8 9WQ. Tel: Barry on
Milton Keynes (01908) 564085. Scottish
Contact: Kevin Rowe - Tel/Text: 07808 263173
or
www.gfsn.org.uk
GLASGOW FRONTRUNNERS:
Running group for the LGBT community and
friends. All abilities welcome. Meets 7pm Thu
and 11.30am Sun at the Arc Leisure Centre in
Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens
Road. Social get-together after the run as
well! Join their Facebook group and follow
them on Twitter (@glasgowfrontrun). Tel/text:
07919 894317 (Simon).
www.GlasgowFrontrunners.org
GLASGOW GAY AND LESBIAN
BADMINTON CLUB:
Meets each Thu from 8-10pm. Come along
and have fun and enjoy meeting the other
members for a friendly game. All welcome.
Tel: Paul on 07708 514676 (6-11pm).
GRANITE CITY STORMERS FC:
Gay football team meeting regularly to play,
train and for social events. Based in Aberdeen
and open to people of all ages, experience and
ability. Always on the lookout for new
members and volunteers, so if you can help
out with organising training, fundraising,
coaching, arranging kick abouts or socials or
contributing in any way, please get in touch!
HOTSCOTS:
Scotland's very first LGBT group for football
players and fans alike. Holds regular training
sessions every Thu eve at Saughton Sports
Complex (8.45pm) and kick-abouts every Fri
eve, also at Saughton. Would love to hear
from anyone who would like to take part.
Compete in Division 1 of the UK national gay
league but all ability levels are welcome, and
the social side is just as important as the
playing. So what are you waiting for? Text
"Football" to 80800 for more information (texts
cost 25p). Tel: 07585 132595
www.hotscotsfc.com
GMB SCOTLAND EQUAL RIGHTS GROUP:
Write: Regional Equal Rights Officer, GMB
Scotland, Fountain House, 1/3 Woodside
Crescent, Glasgow. G3 7UJ. Tel: 0141-352
8109.
PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES
UNION (PCS) PROUD GROUP
Scottish Rep : Dave McNeilly c/o PCS,
Equalities Committee, 160 Falcon Road,
London. SW11 2LN. Tel: 07896 471891.
www.pcsproud.org.uk
UNISON:
Glasgow City LGBT Group. Meets pay day Tue
at 5pm in Glasgow City Unison Offices, 84 Bell
Street. All LGBT members welcome.
YOUTH
QUEER ATTITUDE:
Edinburgh based website for young LGBT
people everywhere.
www.queerattitude.com
TRANSGENDER
QUEER YOUTH:
UK National organisation run by and for young
people providing a united voice for all lesbian,
gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, intersex,
transgender, transsexual, queer and curious
youth. Online 24/7 providing peer support
through forums, campaigning for equal rights,
running regional groups across the UK and
much more! Queer Youth Scotland usually
meets monthly in either Glasgow, Dundee or
Edinburgh.
www.queeryouth.org.uk
NATIONAL:
ABERDEEN:
Transmen Scotland:
A national support group for all female to male
transgender people. Meets 2nd Sat of each
month from 7-9pm at LGBT Centre for Health
and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. For
further info Tel/Text 07948 735179 or
www.transmenscotland.org.uk
Zone Youth: LGBT group for people aged
under 26.
ABERDEEN:
DUNDEE:
NEST Support:
Write: c/o GREC, 41 Union Street, Aberdeen.
AB11 5BN.
www.nestsupport.co.uk
Allsorts: Meets everyTue 6-8pm. Tel: 0131555 3940. Text: 07781 481788.
BUCHLYVIE:
TV/TS Group:
Meets last Sat of each month at 5pm. Tel:
Gladys or Michelle on Buchlyvie (01360)
850516 or 07896 307348.
Diversitay: T With Biscuits:
New Trans Group meets monthly. For more
information, Tel: Diversitay on Dundee
(01382) 202620 (Mon 7-9pm).
EDINBURGH:
EDINBURGH RACQUETEERS BADMINTON
GROUP:
Gay and lesbian badminton club, meets each
Thu from 7-9pm at Meadowbank Stadium.
Seeks more full time and part-time players.
Come along, have fun, enjoy meeting the other
members for a friendly game and a social gettogether afterwards. Plays all year round and
can generally accommodate more players
during the Summer season (May-Aug),
Spaces may be limited for other seasons.
GAY POLICE ASSOCIATION
IN SCOTLAND:
Membership is open to all police officers and
police staff, serving or retired. Tel: 07092
700213 .
www.gpascotland.com
NATIONAL:
STUDENTS
DUNDEE:
EDINBURGH CUESTARS POOL GROUP:
Looking for new members, Meets on 2nd and
4th Tue of each month at Shandon Snooker
Club, Slateford Road from 7-10pm. Costs £3
per person.
FIRE BRIGADES UNION
LGBT SUPPORT GROUP:
For firefighters and control staff. Write: c/o Pat
Carberry, FBU, 68 Coombe Road, Kingston
upon Thames, Surrey. KT2 7SE. Tel: 07725
602524 or 020-8541 1765.
www.fbulgbt.org.uk
Edinburgh Trans Women:
Support group for transsexual women. Meets
1st Sat of each month 7.30-9.30pm in LGBT
Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe
Street.
E-mail: info
@edinburghtranswomen.org.uk
www.edinburghtranswomen.org.uk
BORDERS:
Tutti Frutti: Youth group meets Wed eve in
Galashiels. Tel: 0131-555 3940.
Different Visions Celebrate (DV8):
Youth group for young people 25 and under
who have issues with their sexuality or with
the sexuality of a member of their family. Drop
In Service 9-5pm at Eighteen And Under, 1
Victoria Road, Dundee. Offers a safe and
friendly environment to meet and discuss
issues affecting the LGBT community and our
families. Tel: Shaun on Dundee (01382)
206222.
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY:
Dumfries & Galloway LGBT Centre:
Dumfries based LGBT Centre reaching out to
the whole of Dumfries and Galloway. Youth
groups, social events, drop-ins, support and
volunteering for LGBT young people and their
families. See What’s On section of their web
site for more details. 88b High Street,
Dumfries. DG1 2BJ. Tel: Dumfries (01387)
255058. Text: 07786 202 370.
www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
fb: DumfriesLGBTCentre
EDINBURGH:
T-Time:
Informal social for all transgender people, their
partners, family and friends, held the 3rd Sat
of each month from 1-4pm at LGBT Centre for
Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. A
friendly, safe and relaxed environment where
there's also space to change. Tel: Jules Barnes
on 0131-523 1104.
GLASGOW:
Crosslynx Transgender Group:
Meets monthly at Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick
Street. Check website for details. Tel:
Crosslynx Helpline on 0141-847 0787 (Mon
7.30-9.30pm).
www.crosslynx.org.uk
LGBT Youth Scotland: The Citadel, 39/40
Commercial Street, Edinburgh. EH6 6JD.
Provides services and opportunities for LGBT
young people (13-25) in Edinburgh, the
Lothians, Fife, Borders, Tayside and Dumfries
& Galloway. The groups include drop-ins at
their Edinburgh offices for under-18's (Wed)
and for over 18's (Thu). They also have a
range of different opportunities and they offer
training services. Nationally, they run regular
events for young people to get involved in
local and national decision-making, and to
make new pals and have a laugh. Office Tel:
0131-555 3940 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm).
GLASGOW:
Sandyford Trans Women's Support Group:
Meets twice a month. Further details and
support from group member on 07758
462988 or contact Sandyford Community
Access Co-ordinator on 0141-232 8417.
T-Time:
Informal social for all transgender people, their
partners, family and friends. Held on 1st Sat of
each month from 1–4pm at the Terrence
Higgins Trust, 134 Douglas Street. A friendly,
safe and relaxed environment where there’s
also space to change. Tel: Jules Barnes on
0131-523 1104.
INVERNESS:
LGBT Youth Scotland Youth Programmes:
Glasgow Head Office, 38 Queen Street,
Glasgow. G1 3Dx. Tel: 0141-548 8121.
Vivid Youth: For young LGBT people aged 1325. Group for 13-18 year olds: Tue 7-9.30pm.
Group for 18-25 year olds: Thu 7-9.30pm.
Contact for venue details.Tel: 0141-548 8121.
HAMILTON:
Skittles LGBT Youth Group: For 16-25 year
olds. Meets Mon 6.30-10pm. Tel: Graham on
Hamilton (01698) 456680 during office hours.
Swans Of Scotland:
Meets last Thu of each month from 7-9pm at
Beaufort Hotel, 11 Culduthel Road.
www.spanglefish.com/SwansofScotland
MORAY:
STIRLING:
Central Scotland Transgender Group:
Meets 2nd Sat of each month 7-10pm. Tel:
Sarah Whyte on 07748 484703.
PERTH:
WORKPLACE
EIS LGBT NETWORK:
Write: National Officer (Education and
Equality), 46 Moray Place, Edinburgh. EH3
6BH. Tel: 0131-225 6244.
Big Deal: For under 26 year olds. Tel: 0845
2412151.
LGBT Youth Group: Last Wed of each month.
Tel: 0141-548 8121. Text: 07781 481788.
CONTACT ADS
live
Scottish lads eager to
chat and hook up now!
To reply to a contact ad, just pop your reply in an envelope with the box number written in the TOP RIGHT corner and
place the envelope with your reply inside another envelope with two loose first class stamps. If you are writing from
outwith the UK, an International Reply Coupon (IRC) should be enclosed for each reply instead of postage stamps.
International Reply Coupons are available from Post Offices throughout the world. We are unable to send on replies
without postage stamps or IRCs. Replies to : ScotsGay, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW.
REMEMBER: You can also place and answer personal ads free online at www.scotsgay.co.uk. You
can include your telephone number in your ad at a
cost of £5. You will be telephoned by ScotsGay to
confirm your ad before it is printed.
WOMEN
Sincere Gay Woman - 56 - GSOH
WLTM honest, loyal, sane gay woman non-drinker
who likes the quieter life. I have slight disability, but
can do most things. Are you the woman I have been
looking for? Box SG12810.
9
p
IN
PER M
live 1-2-1
ne now
100s of guys onli
chat/flirt
/hook up
Sane And Genuine 55 Year Old
Sane and sincere lesbian looking for friends and
maybe someone special. Likes cinema, walking,
quiet nights in. Box SG12811.
Sporty And Femme
Honest gay woman would like to meet similar. Enjoy
tennis and footie aged also similar late 40's and
femme. Tel: 07974 889401. Box SG12812.
Edinburgh Sincere Feminine
Sincere feminine lesbian, likes travel, sunshine and
relaxing, meals in and out, cinema, gym, swimming.
Would like to meet feminine professional 40-50 for
friendship and fun times. Edinburgh. Box SG12813.
Sane Lesbian - 53 Years Old
Sane femme lesbian looking for friends maybe even
that special person. Love to walk with someone, go
to the cinema, eat out or quiet nights in. Get in touch.
Box SG12814.
Easy Going 39 Year Old - Caithness
Looking for someone who's into music, having
nights out or chilling at home with a few vinos and
good sense of humour for fun times. Box SG12815.
MEN
Ancient Organs
Old copies of Gay News and magazines (no porn) are
available for a donation to charity, or to a good home.
Box SG12830.
100s of guys online. CALL NOW!
0871 300 0160
18+. Helpdesk 0844 944 0844. Live calls recorded. 0871 = 9p per min. Network extras apply. SP: 4D.
Summer Fun
Going to be in Edinburgh during the summer? Aged
16-21. Curious? Mature guy will guide you through
your first time and nobody need ever know! Box
SG12804.
Cheap Inspector Taggart
Edinburgh Fun
Top, 49, seeks bottom, 40-55, for long, sleazy sessions with toys and poppers. Box SG12821.
Rural Sexual Farmers Wanted
Single, submissive, naked skinhead, early thirties,
looking for gay farmers who are into sleazy, mud,
sex, bondage, torture, aged 28-45, slim-medium
build. ALA. Smokers welcome. Box SG12822.
Edinburgh
Mature guy looking for fun with guy(s) aged 16-26 probably at my place in Central Edinburgh. Nothing
complicated: love not required although mutual respect is a must. One off is good, so is longer term
fuck buddy. I'm mostly active but can be versatile if
that's what really works for you. Safer fun only - no
barebacking. And a kiss or cuddle can be just as
good as (or better than) anything else - so there are a
lot of options. What have you got to lose by replying
and seeing if our needs/desires are compatible?
Other than your virginity which is soon gone with
this poof! Box SG12823.
Glasgow - Central Scotland Bi Guy
Mature bi, seeks guys over 35, gay or bi, for fun sessions. Can accommodate or travel. Discretion assured and expected. I'm tall, medium/heavy build,
tactile and affectionate. ALA. Bos SG12824.
Safe Fun Group Aberdeen
Bi/gay men - active tops only required. All races. Box
SG12826.
27 Year Old Edinburgh Toilet Slave
Seeks Master 16-35
I'm a slim, fit, good-looking 27 year old lad, 5ft 10in.
I have my own place in the Edinburgh area. I love to
kiss, rim and suck. I am looking for a lad 16-35 to
rim and suck regularly. I love eating ass. I'm looking
for a fit lad's ass to eat regularly. I'm really into teen
lads 16-19 and lads in their 20's. If you are within
these age ranges, you will definitely be my first
choice. I'm also into lad's feet and socks. I would
love to lick a fit lad's sweaty feet clean and suck his
toes. I also like scat. I would love to be used as a toilet. I would love to meet a lad 16-35 who would be
up for shitting in my mouth. I am up for regular fun. I
can send you my pic before meeting. If all this
sounds good and gets you really hard, please text
me: 07957 210946 or write: Box SG12827.
Registered Blind Lonely Prisoner
Seeks Friends And More
I'm Tony, 26 years old and looking to make friends,
maybe more, from Glasgow (18-30 years old). I'm in
prison until November and am desperate not to return! All letters will be replied to, pics appreciated.
Please reply! Box SG12828.
Glasgow
Young male, 24, slim, 5ft 6in, seeks similar good
looking guy for fun and friendship possibly leading to
more. Box SG12829.
BISEXUAL
Bi Curious?
There has to be a first time for everything! Aged 1621? Get in touch? Considerate, experienced, versatile, older guy will talk you through things at your
own pace before getting down to some safe fun.
Your limits respected. Total discretion assured. Live
in Edinburgh and can accommodate but may travel if
required. Box SG12801.
Retired Hippy
It's Festival time once more as Taggart heads for the
Capital in his annual attempt to snag a thespian. But
through finishing up at Virgen, things go horribly
wrong as he acquires a tipsy terpsichorean by mistake. Box SG12805.
Holiday Fun And Massage Drop In
Holiday maker guys are invited to come for massage
or fun and tea at Cumbernauld near Glasgow. Text:
07813 530143 or write: Box SG12818.
Glasgow - Sporty - Young Looking - Cute - 38
Cash For Your Body
Photogenic guys can earn £150 cash posing for
Mike Arlen who has had 15 glossy magazines published called Mike Arlen's Guys. Send snapshots of
your magnificent body to him: Mike Arlen, Wetherby
Studios, 23 Wetherby Mansions, Earls Court Square,
London. SW5 9BH or Phone: 020-7373 1107. Email: [email protected]
SERVICES
A1 Erotic Videos
For all your mucky movies: www.filthonline.co.uk
CAFFMOS
Contacts and friendships for men over sixty. The organisation for the more mature gentleman and his
admirers. Write to: CAFFMOS, PO Box 2087,
Blackpool. FY4 1WL. Or phone Blackpool (01253)
318327 for info.
Gardening
Very experienced good looking gardener available to
look after your garden to the very highest standards,
no task too difficult. Based in the central belt and covering Glasgow and Edinburgh. Please call me on
07981 920156.
Limited Companies
Only £90 for your own Limited Company. PLCs,
Guarantee, Charitable and Unlimited Companies also
available. Freephone 0800 526421.
E-mail: [email protected].
Web: www.cosunformations.co.uk
Proofreading And Tuition
In English (including TEFL), French, Latin, Greek and
Gaelic, Typing Services, Historical and Genealogical
Research. Charles S Coventry, 303/3 Colinton Road,
Edinburgh. EH13 0NR. Tel: 0131-441 7898. E-mail:
[email protected]
TD MONTHLY
A contact ads publication for gay and bisexual men,
18+, who enjoy all forms of male-to-male discipline!
Contacts, Stories, CP Pictures, CP Videos & DVDs,
News, CP Clubs and Events. SAE for details or Email. Write: TD Monthly, PO Box 310, Manchester.
M15 6WT.
E-mail: [email protected].
Web: www.tdmonthly.net
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18 Barony Street (Bed And Breakfast) Edinburgh
EH3 6BJ
Live the life-stay in the village. Clean spacious comfortable rooms (shared bathrooms) from £30 pp/pn.
Tel: 0131-531 0664 or 07592 905208 or 07949
157219. E-mail: [email protected] You can
stay for one night or as long as you wish. The gay village is on our door step. [128]
55, looking for some love and affection from women
and men of all ages. Box SG12802.
Anyone Up For Fun And Frolics?
Friendly older guy seeking genuine Friend for some
Showertime Watersports Fun. Also anyone who enjoys Over The Knee Spanking Fun. Unfortunately unable to accommodate. Looking forward to meeting
up soon. Box SG12820.
Good Times Wanted
Nice slim, blue eyes, brown hair, new to scene,
young 40's, looking for bi girls/guys. Straight nights
out. Would give in to right person. Own flat (Glasgow
area). Box SG12825.
STRAIGHT
Silver Bear
Edinburgh based 50something guy seeks morally relaxed women of all ages for fun and friendship. Box
SG12803.
60something Male Seeks Assistance
With Unreliable Erection
Illness has reduced functionality, possibly temporarily, would you help to prove that this is correct? Alternative methods of satisfaction guaranteed! Box
SG12809.
28 Year Old Male Prisoner
Looking for female penfiends (18+). I have different
interests and hobbies. Enjoy keeping fit, doing arts
and crafts. Please reply. Box SG12816.
FRIENDS ABROAD
Athletic build, 6ft, OHAC, SA, SL, casual dressed, can
travel and accommodate. Honest, caring person.
Hobbies: gym, footie, pubs, clubs, driving, cinema.
Hoping to meet gay or bi guy aged 18-40 for fun relationship. Telephone: 07503 379678 or Write: Box
SG12819.
JOBS OFFERED
Advertising Pays
ScotsGay charges just £60 a year for an ad here! Email: [email protected] or Tel: 0131539 0666.
43 Year Old Keen Naturist
Looking to meet friends 18-38 to enjoy indoor and
outdoor 24 hour nudism. Genuine replies only
please. Tel: 07971 028598 or write: Box SG12807.
Bad Boy (26) Needs Discipline
Slim smooth 26 year old needs regular discipline
from experienced top/master who knows how to
properly deal with bad boys! Ideally this person has
dealt with loads of young boys in the past! Can travel
to meet! Like sex (safe) afterwards too! Box
SG12817.
Edinburgh
Experienced cleaner, trained masseur, looking for
work in Edinburgh. Deep cleaning, shopping, everyday household tasks undertaken. Trained in Swedish
massage techniques. Tel: 07954 619132.
WHERE TO STAY
YB Curious
Guy seeks other(s) who enjoy their kinky side. Must
indulge in Y/B, toys, etc. All kinks catered for. No age
limit, so what are you waiting for? Apply now! Box
SG12806.
Mature Student
Edinburgh mature student, 55, WLTM younger (1626) student(s) in the city for fun and friendship. Easy
going. Non scene. Non smoker. Discretion assured.
Box SG12808.
JOBS WANTED
We do not provide box numbers to advertisers outwith the UK. Instead, their personal contact details
will be published both in the magazine and online.
INTERGAY
Penpal contacts with gay men all over the world.
Over 120 subscribers in 30 countries. To join is free:
send your ad. Only subscribers get the booklet with
all data and addresses by enclosing £5. INTERGAY,
Voorstraat 12-A, 4033 AD Lienden, Netherlands.
All New, All Gay Guesthouses - Edinburgh
Two great locations. Exclusively gay. Easy walk to
nightlife. Stylish rooms, all with TV and video (tapes
available). Shared and private
bathrooms. Breakfast available till noon. Non-smoking houses. Easy parking. Room rates: £29-£49 per
night. Call 0131-558 1382 or Fax 0131-556 8279.
Web: www.gayscotland.com/alvahouse [129]
Cherry Tree Lodge - West Fife
Cherry Tree Lodge is a gay owned, secluded, easily
accessible guest house and retreat space offering
bed and breakfast with stunning views of the Scottish
countryside in the Kingdom of Fife. We offer a tranquil, relaxing space for those exploring the area, business people who want a more personal experience
than a hotel or those just wanting to stay awhile and
be nourished in mind, body and soul. Tel: 01383
851059. It's a place where you can just "Be".
www.cherrytreelodge.net [131]
Isle Of Iona Self Catering
Cottage available on the Isle of Iona for self catering.
Recently extensively renovated: new bathroom with
shower, central heating, plus back sun room looking
across the fields to the sea. One small double room,
one single room, two bed sofas. The beach is 3 minutes walk away - however the cottage is 10 minutes
walk from the jetty. Very quiet and peaceful, ideal for
walking and relaxing. Non-smoking house. Special
mid week rates. See http://www.ionadreams.co.uk
for pictures and more details or contact Jenny on
07961 446904 (E-mail from website preferred).
[136]
Moffat - Dumfriesshire
Comfortable Bed and Breakfast. All rooms en-suite
with TV and DVD and free WiFi in all rooms. Massage available. Tel: 01683 221905. E-mail:
[email protected] [136]
Penzance - Cornwall
Small, gay-friendly, period hotel situated with own
parking in town centre. Rooms available en-suite.
Web: www.cliffhotelpz.co.uk Tel: Penzance (01736)
368888.
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*denotes ScotsGay available
VENUES&EMPORIA
ABERDEEN
CHAPLINS*
20 Adelphi. Sun & Thu 9pm2am, Fri-Sat 9pm-3am. LGBT
and Straight friendly venue.
fb: Chaplins Aberdeen
CHEERZ BAR & CLUB*
11 Hadden Street. Lively gay
bar and club with entertainment
and more.
fb: Cheerz Bar
MARKET ARMS*
13 Hadden Street. LGBT
friendly pub with karaoke five
nights per week.
fb: MarketArmsAberdeen
WELLMAN’S HEALTH
STUDIO*
218 Holburn Street. Tel:
(01224) 211441. Mon-Fri
Noon-10pm, Sat Noon-9pm,
Sun 2-9pm. 8-man Jacuzzi,
sauna, steamroom, café. Free
Internet access. Massage
available.
E-mail: rod@
wellmans-health-studio.co.uk
www.wellmans-healthstudio.co.uk
DUMFRIES
DUMFRIES LGBT CENTRE*
88b High Street, Dumfries, DG1
2BJ. Tel: (01387) 255058.
Various group drop-ins, please
view online calendar: www.
lgbtcentredg.co.uk/calendar/
Also provides LGBT awareness
training to professionals.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.lgbtcentredg.co.uk
DUNDEE
B4OUT*
2 St Andrew’s Lane. 7pmMidnight. Gay bar.
fb: b4out
JOCKS HEALTH
CLUB/SAUNA*
11 Princes Street. Tel: (01382)
451986. Noon-10pm. Sauna,
gym, steamroom, lockers,
lounge, cabins.
www.jockssauna.co.uk
KLOZET*
73-75 Seagate. Tel: Dundee
(01382) 690403. Sun 12.30Midnight, Mon-Sat 11amMidnight. Formerly The Gauger.
Karaoke Wed, Fri & Sun. Pool
table. Free WiFi. Regular live
bands and acts.
fb: klozet.dundee
OUT*
124 Seagate. Tel: (01382)
200660. Wed-Sun 11pm2.30am. Good atmosphere,
very popular disco with wide
selection of sounds and the
occasional act/PA.
fb: outdundee
THE SALTY DOG*
9 Crichton Street. Sun-Tue
4pm-Midnight, Wed-Thu 2pmMidnight, Fri-Sat
11am-Midnight. Cosy little bar.
fb: Salty Dog
EDINBURGH
During the Edinburgh Festivals,
licencing hours are often
extended. Check with venue.
ADULT CONCEPTIONS*
8 Drummond Street. Tel: 0131557 9413. Fax: 0131-557 8336.
Sun Noon-9pm, Mon-Sat
10am-9pm. Fem 2 Dom is at
25 Easter Road. Tel: 0131-623
6969. Licensed sex shops.
THE AULD HOOSE*
23-25 St Leonards Street.
Tel: 0131-668 2934. Sun
12.30pm-1am, Mon-Sat Noon1am. Everybody-friendly real
ale bar. Food served: Mon-Sat
Noon-9.30pm, Sun 12.308pm.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.theauldhoose.co.uk
BLUE MOON CAFÉ*
1 Barony Street/36 Broughton
Street. Tel: 0131-556 2788
(Bar) or 0131-557 0911
(Office). Sat-Sun 10am-11pm,
Mon-Fri 11am-11pm. Food
served until 10pm. Popular
LGBT café.
www.bluemooncafe.co.uk
BOBBIE'S BOOKSHOP*
220 Morrison Street. Tel: 0131538 7069. Mon-Sat
10am-1pm, 2-5.30pm. Sells a
selection of gay magazines.
BOOTYCALL
The Annexe at The Liquid
Rooms, 9c Victoria Street
(Entrance via Cowgate). Tel:
0131-225 2564. 1st Sun of
each month. 10.30pm-3am.
Monthly club night.
CAFÉ HABANA*
22 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131558 1270. 1pm-1am. Friendly
pre-club bar popular with locals
and visitors. Free WiFi Internet
access.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.cafehabanaEH1.com
CAFÉ NOM DE PLUME*
60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131478 1372. Café/bar at the LGBT
Centre. Meals, snacks, drinks.
Free WiFi. Dogs welcome.
Outdoor smoking area.
E-mail:
[email protected]
C.C. BLOOM'S*
23-24 Greenside Place. Tel:
0131-556 9331. Sun 12.30pm3am, Mon-Sat 11am-3am.
Recently renovated.
E-mail:
[email protected]
fb: CC Blooms
DV8
Spiders Web Basement, 258
Morrison Street. Tel: 0131-228
1949. 8pm-1am. Last Fri of
each month. Fetish club.
http://dv8fetishclub.co.uk
EDINBURGH LGBT CENTRE*
58a and 60 Broughton Street.
Houses Café Nom De Plume
and Pride Scotia. Free WiFi
Internet access (sponsored by
ScotsGay). Bought in 1974 by
the Scottish Minorities Group,
it is the only LGBT-owned
LGBT Centre in the UK and is
also the oldest LGBT Centre
outwith the USA. Tel: 0131-556
9471. Meeting Room Booking
Tel: 07817 533337.
E-mail: edinburghlgbtcentre
@drink.demon.co.uk
ELBOW*
133-135 East Claremont Street.
Tel: 0131-556 5662. 11am1am. Breakfast until 6pm at
weekends, Lunch 11.30am6pm, Dinner 6pm-10pm. Bar
and restaurant.
www.elbowedinburgh.co.uk
ELECTRO-SEXUAL*
C.C. Bloom’s, 23-24 Greenside
Place. Tel: 0131-556 9331.
11pm-3am. First Fri of each
month. Club night.
fb: Electroedinburgh
FEVER
0131-225 2564. Sat 25th Aug
(11pm-5am), Sat 15th Sep
(11pm-3am). Club night. DJs
Fisher & Price and Miss Chris.
SATURDAY NIGHT BEAVER
0131-225 2564. Sat 8th Sep
and 29th Dec. Popular
women's club night.
fb: Saturday Night Beaver
FRENCHIES BAR*
87-89 Rose Street Lane North.
Tel: 0131-225 6967.
Edinburgh’s oldest gay pub. As
we went to press, unconfirmed
reports that bar is closing
down.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.frenchies-bar.com
STEAMWORKS*
5 Broughton Market. Tel: 0131477 3567. Daily 11am-11pm.
Stylish sauna forming part of
busy gay hotel and sauna
complex in centre of gay
quarter. State-of-the-art
facilities including large spa
pool, sauna cabin, large steam
room, video room, labyrinth
with themed areas, café lounge,
free Internet access, tanning
booth.
www.steamworks-sauna.co.uk
GHQ*
4 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-550
1780. Sun & Tue 11pm-3am,
Wed 9.30pm-3am, Thu 11pm3am, Fri-Sat 9pm-3am.
Stylish bar and club catering for
the capital's fashionable gays.
www.ghqedinburgh.co.uk
LGBT CENTRE FOR
HEALTH & WELLBEING*
9 Howe Street. Tel: 0131-523
1100. LGBT community centre
in the heart of the New Town
offering a range of events,
courses and activities. Also
provides meeting space for
community groups. See
website for listings.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.lgbthealth.org
THE STREET*
2 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-556
4272. Sun 12.30pm-1am,
Mon-Sat Noon-1 am. Small but
perfectly formed bar run by
Louise and Trendy Wendy.
www.thestreetbar.co.uk
TOUCH
Mood Nightclub, 1 Greenside
Place. Tel: 0131-550 1640. Tue
10pm-3am. New club night.
Eclectic mix of tunes from
resident DJ PJ. £3 (plus free
cloakroom!)
E-mail:
[email protected]
fb: charlottemood.tuesdays
NEW TOWN BAR*
26B Dublin Street. Tel: 0131538 7775. Sun 12.30pm-1am,
Mon-Thu Noon-1am, Fri-Sat
Noon-2am. Food: Mon-Fri
Noon-3pm. Popular and busy
gay bar. Free WiFi Internet
access. Real ale.
www.newtownbar.co.uk
VIRGEN*
Fiddler's Elbow, 4 Picardy
Place. Tel: 0131-556 9933. Next
dates: Sat 11th & 25th Aug
(11pm-3am). Female run Girls’
Night (men welcome as
guests). £3.
E-mail:
[email protected]
fb: Virgenedinburgh
No EIGHTEEN*
18 Albert Place, Leith Walk. Tel:
0131-553 3222. Mon-Thu
Noon-10pm, Fri-Sun Noon11pm. The UK's first VAT
registered gay sauna! £10 (£8
concessions), £5 after 8pm.
www.number18sauna.com
WEE SPINNEY'S CAFÉ BAR*
20 Leopold Place. Tel: 0131556 3556. 11am-11pm. Newly
opened below Richmond Hotel.
Food served from Noon.
E-mail: weespinneyscafebar
@hotmail.com
PLANET*
6 Baxter's Place. Tel: 0131-556
5551. 1pm-1am. Popular and
busy gay bar with friendly staff.
Karaoke Sun-Thu from 9pm.
Nightly DJ.
E-mail:
[email protected]
WORD POWER*
43-45 West Nicolson Street.
Tel: 0131-662 9112. Sun Noon5pm, Mon-Sat 10am-6pm.
Independent radical bookshop.
E-mail: books
@wordpower.co.uk
www.word-power.co.uk
PUSSY WHIPPED
Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh
College Of Art, 74 Lauriston
Place. Tel: 0131-229 1003.
Infoline: 07767 359977.
8-10.30pm. Next date: Contact
them. Queer and Female kickass band night followed by
queer club HOT MESS. £2
entry.
E-mail: p.whipped.edinburgh
@gmail.com
GLASGOW
Q-STORE
5 Barony Street. Tel/Fax: 0131477 4756. Mon-Fri 11am-7pm,
Sat 11am-6pm. Scotland's only
licensed gay store. Not just
feelthy pictures - lifestyle too!
THE REGENT*
2 Montrose Terrace. Tel: 0131661 8198. Sun 12.30pm-1am,
Mon-Sat 11am-1am.
Edinburgh’s Gay Real Ale Pub.
CAMRA's Lesbian & Gay Real
Ale Drinkers meet here on the
1st Mon of the month (2nd
Mon in Aug) from 9pm.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.lagrad-edinburgh.org.uk
AMBASSADORS RAINBOW*
41b York Street. Tel: 0141-237
3011. Noon-Midnight. Sauna.
Mon: Buddies Day (2 for 1), Fri:
TVs, CDs and Admirers Day.
www.ambassadorsrainbow
.com
fb: Ambassadors Rainbow
AXM CLUB*
80 Glassford Street. Tel: 0141552 5761. Wed-Sun
10pm-3am. New club in former
Bennets premises "Manchester has now arrived in
Glasgow".
www.axmgroup.co.uk/axmclub-glasgow/
CCA*
350 Sauchiehall Street. Tel:
0141-352 4900. Fax: 0141-332
3226. Café Tel: 0141-332 7959.
Info: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm.
Gallery: Tue-Sat 11am-6pm.
Café: Mon -Sat, 10amMidnight. Bar: Mon-Sat
Noon-Midnight. Centre for
Contemporary Arts. ScotsGay
available in bar.
www.cca-glasgow.com
COURT BAR*
69 Hutcheson Street. Tel: 0141552 2463. Sun Noon-Midnight,
Mon-Sat 8am-Midnight.
Intimate bar. Straight friendly.
DELMONICA'S BAR*
68 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141552 4803. Noon-Midnight. DJs
nightly from 9pm. Thu: Quiz.
Sun: Karaoke.
www.delmonicas.co.uk
FHQ*
10 John Street. Tel: 0141-553
5851. Sat 11pm-3am.
Women’s bar/club.
www.fhqbar.co.uk
LUKE & JACK
ADULT BOUTIQUE*
45 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141552 5699. Mon-Thu
11am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10.30am6.30pm, Sun Noon-5pm.
Locally owned and
independent. Sells aromas,
toys, lubes, magazines and
books, underwear, T-shirts,
gifts, etc.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.lukeandjack.co.uk
MERCHANT PRIDE
20 Candleriggs. Tel: 0141-564
1285. Sun 12.30pm-Midnight,
Mon-Fri 4pm-Midnight, Sat
Noon-Midnight. Bar in the heart
of the Merchant City.
fb: MerchantPride
MILK*
17 John Street. Mon-Fri 4pmMidnight, Sat-Sun 3pmMidnight. Gay bar.
http://moojuice.co/
THE PIPEWORKS*
5-10 Metropole Lane. Tel:
0141-552 5502. Mon-Thu
11.30am-11pm, Fri 11.30amSat 6am, Sat Noon- Sun 11pm.
Men's Health and Leisure Club.
Usual facilities. £13 (£10 conc).
www.thepipeworks.com
POLO LOUNGE*
84 Wilson Street. Tel: 0141-553
1221. Sun 9pm-3am, Mon
11pm-3am (Club X only), Tue
10pm-3am, Wed 7pm-3am,
Thu-Sat 11pm-3am. Long
established pub/club. Young
crowd.
www.pologlasgow.co.uk
RELAX CENTRAL*
3rd Floor, 27 Union Street. Tel:
0141-221 0415. Sun Noon8.30pm, Mon-Sat
11.30am-10pm. Established
gay sauna. Entry £8.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.relaxcentral.co.uk
THE RIDING ROOM*
The Joint On The Corner, 58
Virginia Street. Tel: 0845
6595904. 5pm-3am. Liquor
and cabaret.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.theridingroom.co.uk
SILKS AND SECRETS*
308 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141572 1017. Fax: 0141-221 0959.
Sun Noon-5pm, Mon-Sat
10am-6pm. Clothes and toys
catering for gay, transvestite
and fetish tastes.
www.silksandsecrets.com
SPEAKEASY*
10 John Street. Tel: 0141-553
5851. Sun 12.30pm-2am,
Mon-Thu 4pm–2am, Fri 4pm–
3am, Sat Noon–3am. Fresh
alternative to the gay scene.
Food until 9pm.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.speakeasyglasgow.co.uk
TRON THEATRE CAFÉ BAR*
Chisholm Street. Tel: 0141-552
8587. Fax: 0141-552 6657. Sun
11am-Late, Mon-Sat 10amLate. Friendly theatre bar.
Mixed. Good food.
www.tron.co.uk
UNDERGROUND*
6a John Street. Tel: 0141-553
2456. Mon-Fri Noon-Midnight,
Sat-Sun 1pm-Midnight.
A refreshing antidote to the
current gay scene. Free WiFi.
www.undergroundglasgow
.com
VIOLATE
Violate Club Line: 09099 108174
(75p per min at all times) or
07939 723387. BDSM Runs
regular clubs at the Big Joint in
South Street, Glasgow on the
first Sat of the month.
www.violate.co.uk
THE VIRGINIA GALLERY
Basement, 45 Virgina Street.
Specialises in art from the LGBT
Community and erotic art for all!
Over 18's only. Regular themed
exhibitions and events. Open
Tue-Sat.
www.thevirginiagallery.co.uk
THE WATERLOO*
306 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141-248
7216. Sun 12.30pm-Midnight,
Mon-Sat Noon-Midnight.
Popular, crowded, down to earth
drinking shop. Scotland's oldest
gay bar. Busy, busy!
www.waterloobar.co.uk
WEDNESDAYS
The Tunnel, 84 Mitchell Street.
Tel: 0141-204 1000. 1st Wed of
each month. 11.30pm-3am.
Club night.
www.tunnelglasgow.co.uk
INVERURIE
VALLURE CAFÉ & WINE BAR*
Garioch Centre. Tel: Inverurie
(01467) 622966. New gay
friendly establishment.
www.vallure.co.uk
PAISLEY
FORBIDDEN FRUIT
Moloko, 42 New Street. Tel:
0141-561 2004. Second Sat of
each month. 10pm-3am.
Paisley’s first and only gay club.
E-mail: forbiddenfruitpaisley
@gmail.com
fb: ForbiddenFruitPaisley
www.molokopaisley.com
STIRLING
KATIE’S BAR*
3 Barnton Street. Tel: (01786)
448458. Sun-Thu 8amMidnight, Fri-Sat 8am-1am.
LGBT friendly.
E-mail:
[email protected]
fb: katiesbarbistro
STORNOWAY
AN LANNTAIR*
Kenneth Street. Tel: (01851)
703307. Mon-Sat 8.30am-Late.
LGBT friendly arts centre with
bar and restaurant. Real ale.
www.lanntair.com
TROON
LITTLE SHOP
WITH NO NAME*
41 West Portland Street. Tel:
(01292) 317717. Tue-Fri 10am5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm.
LGBT-owned and friendly art
gallery and coffee shop.
E-mail: littleshopwithnoname
@gmail.com
www.littleshopwithnoname.co
.uk
SGfringe
sgfringe.com
ISSUE 2 of 3
Aug 2012
ScotsGay
scotsgay.co.uk
A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE EDITED, PRINTED & PUBLISHED IN SCOTLAND SINCE 1994
ISSUE 128
£1.50
WHERE SOLD
GayScene
PrideGlasgow
Fringe Coverage
SUSAN
CA L M A N
FREE
courtesy of
ScotsGay
WhatMakesa Man?
This Lady’s Not For Turning Either
@sgfringe
Andrew Doyle
Whatever it Takes
Dana Alexander • Monica Bauer • Mitch Benn • Paul Boyd • Jen Brister • Susan Calman
Mel Giedroyc • The Ginge, The Geordie and The Geek • Carl-Einar Häckner • Jim Jefferies
Otto Kuhnle • Lady Boys of Bangkok • Mister Meredith • David Mills • Kev Orkian • Al Pitcher
Lucy Porter • Edward Reid • Gavin Roach • Michael Workman
welcome back
@sgfringe
elcome to issue two of SGfringe.
W
So, Fringe-goer, you’ve pitched
up in the centre of Edinburgh,
Fringe programme in hand - where do you
begin? The 2012 Edinburgh Fringe boasts
no less than 2,695 shows over three
weeks, so I strongly recommend that you
check out our ‘Select 3.7%’ also known
as our ‘HOT 100’ on page 26. We list all
the LGBT interest stuff we could find, plus
the best of the rest. (For more detailed
previews see issue one or visit our
website SGfringe.com)
In this issue we let the artists do the
talking. We hear from actors, playwrights
and comedians be they lesbian, gay, bi,
trans or straight - from all over the world.
From giants in the comedy world like
Aussie Jim Jefferies, and Scot Susan
Calman, to Northern Irish writer Paul
Boyd (Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory) and
USAian Monica Bauer (Made For Each
Other).
When you add to the mix, talent from
Canada, Germany, Sweden, Thailand, New
Zealand and yes, England, it becomes
some boast when Kev Orkian declares to
be, as the title of his show proudly states,
The World’s Favourite Foreigner.
Look out for SGfringe issue three,
arriving mid-Fringe. Not only will it
contain a stack of reviews from our team
of critics - see their happy faces below but also something a wee bit special from
Knickerbocker Glory stars The Sundaes.
Watch, as they say, this space.
Finally, I must thank Ann-Marrie
Baptiste, Madelaine Bennett, Mel Brown,
David Burns, Paul Charlton, Bex Colwell,
Adrian Corbett, Kat Costello, Laura Davis,
Richard Gaston, Tim Groves, Katy Lipson,
Leigh McGrane, Corrie McGuire, Dave
McGuire, Jen Mackie, Anne Madden, Peter
Massera, Kate Park, Alex Ryan, Brett
Vincent and all at the Fringe Press Office.
CONTENTS:
4 Kev Orkian
4 The Ginge, the Geordie
& the Geek
6 Paul Boyd
6 Mister Meredith
8 Monica Bauer
9 Andrew Doyle
10 Dana Alexander
10 Otto Kuhnle
12 Jen Brister
MartinWalker
[email protected]
12 Edward Reid
14 Jim Jefferies
14 Susan Calman
16 Al Pitcher
16 Michael Workman
18 Lady Boys
20 Mitch Benn
20 Mel Giedroyc
22 Lucy Porter
22 Carl-Einar Häckner
24 Gavin Roach
ScotsGay’s Team of Festival Reviewers for 2012
24 David Mills
L-R Top: Adam Carver, Adele Monk, Albert Fish, Andrea Lockes (reviews editor), Angus Wyatt, Ben Behrens, Clare Finney,
26 HOT 100
Bottom: David Randall, Jodie Fleming-Stanley, Martin Gourlay, Martin Walker (Fringe editor), Nathan Sparling, Sophie Alexander & Tony Challis.
OFF THE KERB PRODUCTIONS
IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNIVERSAL PICTURES (UK) LTD PRESENTS
www.offthekerb.co.uk
2011
6.00PM
1-26 AUGUST
PLEASANCE
(NOT MONDAY 13TH AUGUST)
CELLAR
0131 556 6550
2
www.pleasance.co.uk
3
ginge, the geordie & the geek
sgfringe.com
KEVORKIAN
Tells us about your brand new Edinburgh show ‘The World's Favourite Foreigner’
The show is a compilation of Comedy and Music. It’s a journey through the eyes of my
alter ego “The Foreigner” showing what I have been up to since my last visit to Edinburgh.
It features comedy stories and original piano tracks upgraded from Classical music.
How many Fringe shows is that now?
This will be my third installment of “The Foreigner”
How did you get started as a pianist?
It was pretty much my mum’s dream to learn, but the lack of money meant no one would
teach her, so she was adamant I would not have the same upbringing and I started
learning when I was 3 years old.
Are you a musician or comedian first?
Music is my first love, however I never learnt to be funny, I just was and used it in
everyday life before getting paid for it.
Where is the grandest place you’ve ever performed?
I can’t really put it down to just one place, I have had extraordinary opportunities, in the
UK and overseas. Performing for royalty at Windsor Castle, selling out my one-man show
in Hollywood, performing at Wembley, O2 and numerous concert halls such as the Sydney
Opera house…they have all been wonderful experiences.
You’ve done a fair bit of acting too.
I started my career as an actor, performing in musicals, plays and TV commercials. I
enjoyed touring numerous musicals in London and the UK from Fame, Me & My Girl,
Happy Days and Boogie Nights. Plays by Alan Ayckbourne, and Jim Cartwright, plus
numerous TV commercials in the late 90’s.
Do you write together as a group or go
away and write stuff separately?
Well writing or creating as a group can
be tough at times. So we start by writing
individual ideas then we like to come
together and insult each other, write
some collective stuff trying desperately
to not punch each other and then picking
out the best bits.
If you were a boy band,
one of you would be
black, one would be gay
and one would be a drug
addict….
Ginge would be black due
to his absolute love of
Motown and that he always
wanted to be in the
Jackson 5 which if you pop along to this
year’s show you’ll see evidence of with
the odd classic Motown move. The
Geordie with his various skin care
products, shopping problems and yoga
obsession would be the gay member.
Finally the drug addict would be the Geek
as he’s engaged and with all the wedding
talk this may be a possibility!
Tell us about the BBC
pilot.
It was an amazing and
surreal experience working
at the BBC studios. We had
a phenomenal time just
bringing to life our
characters, working closely
with the director Mandie
Fletcher who was great and
has worked on some
brilliant shows such as
Absolutely Fabulous. It was
performed in front of a live
studio audience, so I think
we would be liars if we
didn’t say there was the
odd nerve flying about. But
the audience loved it right
from the first sketch and the end product
has had great feedback from some
important folk, so fingers crossed!
It wasn’t all fun and games though as we
did have to do a few dodgy things for our
art, the Ginge was unfortunate enough to
land in wet horse manure whilst the
Geordie and the Geek had to snog giant
slimy salmon.
Who inspires you?
Big Train with their surreal genius, Billy
Connolly with his brilliant working class
take on everyday life and Morecambe and
Wise who must be the greatest ever
entertainers.
You’ve supported the legend that is
Johnny Vegas several times. What’s he
like?
He is most definitely a character. On
stage with Johnny pretty much anything
can happen. A 20-minute set can become
The Ginge, the Georgie & the Geek pics by Steve Ullathorne
Q& A
Hello boys, Tells us about your new
Edinburgh show.
It’s a brand new hour of truly uplifting
silliness, surrealism and 80’s anthems.
Like every year it’s a show for everyone.
It’s sketch comedy that the family,
lads/ladettes and royalty can all watch,
even the Queen! It’s great fun with a
surreal twist and as always
our aim is to entertain and
make people laugh, not to
make some sort of
statement. Recently we did
a preview in which we had
a young guy come up after
and say it was brilliant
followed by two female
pensioners asking ‘can we
be groupies?’
40. He once bought a couple a
night in a luxury suite in a hotel
on stage in the middle of his
set. A girl shouted she fancied
the Ginge during his set so he
got her on stage, got the Ginge
back out so she could ask him
out and give him her number.
Off stage he is very down to
earth and a great guy, he gave
us a great quote from our first
gig with him, after he watched
our set, which was very nice of him.
Of all the comics appearing on the
Fringe this year, makes you laugh the
most?
Ginge - It’d be Tony Law.
Geordie - Just saw Josie Long’s preview
and it was great.
Geek - Naz Osmanoglu.
The Ginge, The Geordie & The Geek
- All New Show 2012
Just the Tonic at The Caves
The Rowantree Bar, 253 Cowgate
2nd - 26th Aug (not 14th),
4.45pm & 7.45pm (1hour)
Tickets £8.50/£12.00
Phone booking: 0131-556 5375
Online booking: justthetonic.com
What do you love/hate about
Edinburgh?
Ginge - I absolutely love the baked tattie
shops, favourite is with haggis and
coleslaw. I don’t however like the hills,
knacker me out before a show!
Geordie - I love the Festival and the
opportunities it gives, almost ten years
ago I got a Fringe First for my first ever
play and that helped me a lot. I hate the
temptation of all the great takeaways,
damn you salt and sauce!
Geek - I love the baked tattie shop too but
I only get a small tattie and a large tuna
portion. I hate the erratic rain, I had to
wear plastic shopping bags on my shoes
last year to waterproof them.
Who are your biggest influences?
I love and adore the talents of Victor Borge, Dudley Moore and Les Dawson. They have
always been my inspiration when writing and performing comedy piano…
Tell us about your charity work.
I do lots of charity work throughout the year, however my wife Michelle and I are
ambassadors of the NewKidz charity based in South Africa, which raises money, to
develop and makeover run down orphanages and single parent establishments.
www.facebook.com/newkidzsa
Of all the comics appearing on the Fringe this year, who makes you laugh the most?
I don’t have a specific list of comedians that make me laugh, I just love natural comedy.
Someone who can get on stage and just make you smile, take you on a journey and bring
you back wanting more is good enough for me. Not enough performers have this talent.
What do you love/hate about Edinburgh?
I love the buzz it creates with entertainment as a whole. The variety of entertainment you
get to see is incredible and it creates energy around you. I can’t say I hate it, that would be
too harsh but I hate flyering for my own show. Other shows I have no problem…but my
own!!!! “please come and see me I’m amazing” Can’t do it!!!
The World’s Favourite Foreigner
4
theSpace@Symposium Hall
8.10pm 13-25 Aug
5
Tommy Wallace as Kitten in Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory
Q& A
PAULBOYD
“Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory” is a great title! How did you come up with it?
It’s just a string of words that made me laugh. I loved the idea that there could be
something called a ‘Tit Factory’ – I mean, what goes on in there? And that it would be
run by someone called Molly Wobbly. It harkens back to the show’s origin, when I entered
a competition that I didn’t want to win.
It was a ten minute entry to the Mackintosh Foundation and Eden Court Theatre’s
‘Quest For a New Musical’?
It was a competition I entered back in 2005, in the hope of getting some work seen by the
very influential judges they had. You were meant to submit ten minutes of material from a
new full length musical you had written, but I was so busy with other commissions that I
didn’t have a spare, un-produced musical lying around. So I wrote a ten minute musical,
called “Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory” and made it sound like it was an extract from a longer
show, and I submitted that. I thought the title would make it un-commissionable, so I was
sure I’d never have to write the rest of it. But then I got a letter telling me that the show
had been shortlisted, so I withdrew from the competition at that stage, and went on writing
whatever I was then working on, and never really gave “Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory”
another thought. I assumed that that was the end of it and that the ten minute ‘extract’
had done its job and got me noticed by the judges.
What’s the show about?
It’s set in a town called Little Happening where three couples own three shops on
Mammary Lane. The town has seen better days, and the couples have seen better days.
Suddenly a stranger arrives, and his arrival in town has a kind of supernatural effect on the
couples, and on the women in particular who suddenly start to think about their
appearance and improving how they look.
How long have you been writing? What got you into it?
This year is my twentieth year. The first musical I wrote was while I was still at University
in 1992, and that show became very popular very quickly, so suddenly I had a career and
producers were looking for the next show, then the next show, and so on. I’ve been very
lucky to have had so much work commissioned and staged over the years, both here in
the UK and Ireland, but also in other parts of the world too - it’s amazing when you hear
your own words and songs performed in another language, be that Danish, or Korean, or
Japanese. I still feel like I only started yesterday - but then I look up and suddenly I’ve
been at it for twenty years, with eighteen musicals under my belt, many of them being
performed regularly in various countries.
Who is your favourite writer?
If you mean writer of musicals, I don’t really have one favourite in particular. I tend to
admire shows irrespective of who wrote them, but then I might not like the next show that
that particular writer does. I like a lot of Alan Menken’s work, and Marc Shaiman. I think
that Scott Frankel has a very interesting musical ‘voice’, and of course like most people I
admire some of the work of the big names like Sondheim and Lloyd-Webber. We have a
lot of fun with parodying some of those writers’ styles in “Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory”.
What other shows on the Fringe catch your eye?
l really haven’t had time to look through the brochure properly yet. I want to see “The Boat
Factory” at Hill Street Theatre, because that’s a fellow Northern Irish company and the only
other production at the Fringe supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. And
there’s a show called “Desperately Seeking The Exit” at the Laughing Horse which is a
writer telling the true story of having written a big West End musical that flopped, that
interests me. Apart from that, I’ll go and see anything that’s funny. Stewart Lee is in the
same building as us, The Assembly Rooms, but I’ve already seen his show in London and it’s quite superb.
I love Edinburgh - as a Northern Irish man who lives in London, Edinburgh feels a lot like
home. And the people are very friendly like the people at home, which is comforting. I
like the fact that everything is within walking distance. I’ve never been during Festival
before, so I’m looking forward to seeing the transformation that the City undergoes.
Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory
6
Assembly Rooms
1.45pm 1-27 Aug
Q& A
MISTERMEREDITH
Tells us about ‘Mister Meredith’s Christmas Crack’.
Songs, stockings, jokes, games and beer*: all the ingredients for a very Merry Christmas.
It’s part of the Free Fringe at The Monde, Shanghai, 8pm every evening except 13th when
I’ll be observing Ramadan. Probably from a pub.
*beer not supplied, although buying lots in the bar will ensure a cracking good time and
hopefully get you in a present giving mood by the time the hat comes round at the end.
Isn’t it a wee bit too early for Xmas?
It’s never too early for songs, stockings, jokes, games and beer. Falls bang in the middle of
the year so let’s call it a snack bar of festivity to fill the gap between the big pig outs in
December. Or an excuse to dress as a giant Christmas Cracker (make up your own pulling
jokes).
Tell us about ‘Hairy Pretty Things’.
It’s an hour of awesome music from Dave the Bear with a little help from me, interspersed
with furry anecdotes at Fingers Piano Bar, 5.30pm every day except Mon. However in
DTB’s words “It's me banging on about Mariah Carey and Faith Evans and if I fancy anyone
in the audience I'll get my bum out, plus it's all free, unless you fancy sticking a donation
in my hairy bucket.”
What is Bearlesque?
Dave The Bear: It's a big hairy homo homage to burlesque. It originated as a troupe which
I joined back in 2008 but it's since become a genre, spawning other troupes such as The
Bears and The Cubs and solo performers like myself. Think fewer feathers, more KFC.
Tell us about ‘Magic Faraway Cabaret’.
Magic Faraway Cabaret is a “party atmosphere” (thanks Russ) cabaret show at The
Voodoo Rooms 10.50pm every night except 13th hosted by Dave The Bear, Claire
Benjamin and myself, presenting a different enchanted world each night with a mash-up of
themes: Banarnia, land of magic, wonder and fruit; Popeye-dol, the naughty nautical music
fest; and Speakeasy Rider, a gin-soaked doobie smoking romp.
Every night features international burlesque and variety from the likes of Cherry Shakewell,
Ivy Paige, Beatrix Von Bourbon, Audacity Chutzpah and Kiki KaBoom, and of course us
getting our arses out in various demeaning costumes.
Who is your ideal guest?
Did you see Grace Jones at the Jubilee? That’s the kind of shit we’re after. I love the offthe-wall ones we’ve had like Fauxnique the female drag queen ballerina, or Lynn Ruth
Miller, the burlesque granny: the ones that really interact with the audience and make you
know you’re at a live show: anyone that entertains me without disappearing up their own
fundaments.
Why did you choose the Free Fringe?
Who’s rich this year? In Edinburgh, where you want to go to at least 4 shows a day, £10 a
ticket is beyond the means of most ordinary people, but they should be able to afford the
price of pint (or more!)* It’s the only truly socialist version of the Fringe (all together
now… “So come on, brothers and sisters…”)
*Dave says he just wants Kerry Katona to come to his show and being in the Free Fringe is
the only way he can get her there. I think he just wants to taste her prawn ring.
I like funny women. For originality and smarts you can’t beat the likes of Kate
Smurthwaite, Grainne Maguire, Holly Burn or Lou Sanders. We actually stalked Lou for a
couple of years. True.
Love going up to the docks on my day off. Love being allowed to try new stuff without fear
of offending a promoter. Love it that there’s ALWAYS someone drunker than me. Well,
most of the time. Hate flyering in the rain. Hate twenty something middle-class male
comics with “messy hair” talking about anal sex with their girlfriends. Yes it is an
obsession. Yes it does make you slightly gay. Yes, that’s okay. Next!
Did you really call Simon Cowell, ‘a big bender’?
Haha! Not in so many words. I sang a song for La Cowell on Britain’s Got Talent 2012
which just pointed out that his girlfriends were terribly well cast. Strangely enough they
never televised it, although it might help his case a little if he slept with more women that
weren’t gay icons.
Hairy Pretty Things
Fingers Piano Bar
5.30pm 4-25 Aug
Mister Meredith’s Christmas Crack
Le Monde
8pm 4-25 Aug
Magic Faraway Cabaret
The Voodoo Rooms
10.50pm 4-25 Aug
7
@sgfringe
Q& A
Do you care about reviews?
Not in the least. But I remember every
word.
What do you love/hate about
Edinburgh?
I hate the hills. I’m lazy, and I find sharp
gradients offensive. But I love meeting
such fascinating people, which is
inevitable if you spend a month at the
biggest arts festival in the world. For
instance, in 2009 I was in a stand-up
show on the Free Fringe with Ben Van
Der Velde and Joleed Farah. The singer
Marsha Hunt came along to see it. (She
had a child with Mick Jagger, and was in
the original West End production of Hair.
In fact Jagger wrote a famous song about
her – as she so memorably said to me:
“I’m brown sugar, motherfucka!”) After
the show we went for a drink, and she
MONICABAUER
Tells us about your play, ‘Made for Each Other’.
It’s drama with high comedy, gay marriage with a big twist. Who proposes marriage after
the third date, and who would say yes to such a proposal? The answers are Jerry and
Vincent, the two protagonists of Made for Each Other. Vincent’s closeted, over fifty,
ashamed of his body, and horrified by the deterioration of his mother, who has
Alzheimer’s. His mother’s nurse, Jerry, is forty, out and proud, but struggles with secret
unfulfilled dreams of an actor’s life. The play follows their love story, through alternating
monologues between Vincent and Jerry, plus monologues from a significant person each
one carries in his own subconscious. Vincent’s inner voice comes from his demented
Mother, a former Broadway chorus girl with pretensions of grandeur. Jerry’s inner voice
comes from his beloved Grandpa Damiano, the only member of Jerry’s family who
accepted him as gay. Are these two made for each other, or will secrets each one is hiding
destroy their chance for even “one good year” as spouse and spouse?
Can you believe that you’ve written the only play about gay marriage on the Fringe?
It was a strange moment indeed to find only nine theatre pieces described as LGBT, and
even stranger when I realized that we were the only gay marriage play in the entire Fringe.
We almost took the play to the Fringe last year, when we would have been lost in a whole
slew of gay plays. But this year, and at this historic time, we seem to be literally the only
such game in town!
The subject couldn’t be more topical in Scotland.
Thanks to Twitter and the Internet, I’ve been riveted by the daily news on marriage equality.
I follow both Pink News and Equality Network on Twitter, cheering you on and so proud of
all the hard work the Scottish LGBT community has put into the cause of equal marriage.
We hope to be able to celebrate marriage equality when the show opens on Aug 15th. If
the Parliament doesn’t come through, we are ready to be part of demonstrations during
Fringe. I’ve been very active in gay rights in my own church, the United Church of Christ.
We ordained the first openly gay clergyperson in the USA, and we did it in 1972! My
church has been on the forefront for all LGBT rights struggles, including marriage equality.
I’d love to debate the Catholic Bishops when I get to Scotland!
As a straight woman, how easy was it to write gay characters?
We are supposed to write what we know. And I know a great deal about gay and lesbian
life through my friends and family. I wrote this play specifically for the openly gay actor
John Fico, and he was very generous sharing with me his own hopes and dreams, as well
as some of his family history. I depend on John and our terrific director, John FitzGibbon,
to stop me if they find the writing false. They never have. Many LGBT folks have spoken to
me with gratitude about the honest depiction of real people in the play, and I treasure
those comments.
As well as gay marriage you touch on the subject of Alzheimer’s in the play.
My husband’s mother died of Alzheimer’s disease this past spring, after nine years of
disintegration. It’s the worst disease on the planet, from my perspective, and it scares the
bejesus out of me. It’s now the sixth leading cause of death in the States. So my
subconscious was trying to deal with it, at the same time I was writing this play for John
Fico, and themes suddenly started meshing together in completely unforeseen ways.
Have you visited Edinburgh before?
Never been to Scotland, but always wanted to come. Friends tell me that Edinburgh is one
of the great historic cities of Europe, so I am thrilled to get a chance to run around castles.
I even plan to see the Tattoo, as I used to be a percussionist, and love drum corps!
What else in the Fringe do you plan to see?
I’ve got friends and colleagues in several shows; Listen, the River; Desperately Seeking the
Exit; Dirty Barbie; Dirty Paki Lingerie; lots of shows with the word “dirty” in them,
apparently.
What next for Monica Bauer?
We’d love to get tours for Made for Each Other. After that, catching up on sleep after the
Fringe! You can read all about my many other plays, including several published scripts,
and a bunch of awards and reviews, at www.monicabauer.com. Also, follow me on Twitter
@Monicadrama, or friend me on Facebook. You can follow the show on
www.madeforeachothertheplay.com.
Made For Each Other - Free
8
andrew doyle
Laughing Horse @ Bar 50
4pm 15-26 Aug
How would you describe your stand-up
to those who haven’t heard of you?
I would say that I fuse comedy with a
blend of contortionism, exhibitionism,
tapestry and high-impact calypso, all with
a distinctive East Los Angeles ghetto
sensibility. It’s not true, but that’s what
I’d say.
Tells us about your new Edinburgh
show, Whatever it Takes.
It’s based on a near-death experience I
had in Suffolk. Dying is bad enough, but
dying in Suffolk would be just so
embarrassing. It’s such a banal place. I
got caught in this wet coastal mud by the
River Stour, and I sank right up to the
waist until I was unable to move. I was
in the middle of nowhere, the tide was
coming in, and there wasn’t a coastguard
in sight. And I started reflecting on my
life and all my many, many regrets. So
I’ve written a whole load of jokes about
one of the most miserable moments of
my existence. It’s a form of therapy, I
suppose.
How does it differ from last year’s
critically acclaimed Crash Course in
Depravity?
The title Crash Course in Depravity was a
direct quotation from a review I’d got the
year before. The critic was openly
offended by some of my material. That’s
fair enough, but my set was by no means
depraved. So I thought it would be a
good idea to actually try to live up to the
label for my first solo show. The venue
got quite a few complaints apparently,
but I think if you buy a ticket for a show
with the word “depravity” in the title
you’d have to be an idiot to be offended.
I’m not actually a depraved person, but
for the purposes of that particular show it
made sense for me to inhabit a depraved
persona. The show had to live up to its
name. There are too many shows in at
the Festival called things like Dirty
Jason’s Perverted Alternative Sex Fest
and you turn up and it’s totally tame.
Like some guy in a corduroy suit reading
selections from Thora Hird’s
autobiography.
This year’s show is a totally different
animal. There’s much more truth in it.
I’ll be interested to see how that comes
across.
Andrew Doyle: Whatever it Takes
8pm (1hour)
Tickets £5.50/£7.00
invited Joleed to smash up an electric
guitar in her one-woman show Sex with
Jimi Hendrix. Hers was the most
interesting and inspiring show I saw that
year. And her cover of “Keep the
Customer Satisfied”
by Paul Simon is just
brilliant. I always play
it when audiences
come in to my shows.
What’s your favourite
venue to perform in?
The Stand. There’s
always a good line-up,
the staff are great, and
the audiences are
comedy literate.
You’re already a
successful
playwright. What
made you turn to stand up comedy?
I don’t see the two career paths as all that
different. Stand-up comedy is essentially
a form of theatre.
Who have your influences been?
As a youngster I was very much taken
with the work of the Chinese political
dissident Wei Jingsheng, who was the
first activist to denounce Deng Xiaoping
(de-facto leader of China after the death
of Chairman Mao). I copied his haircut.
Any thoughts on the Olympics?
I have no interest whatsoever in
competitive sports. I consider football to
be a form of madness. I particularly
despise the use of the pluralised personal
pronoun when I hear people talk about
the game. “We beat Aston Villa three
nil.” No, you didn’t do anything. You sat
on a sofa eating Pringles and drinking
cheap lager. You can’t share in
someone’s achievement just by watching
it. I mean, I’m a big fan of Kate Winslet,
but I don’t go around saying, “Oh I was
robbed of the Oscar for my performance
in Titanic - that slag Helen Hunt got it”.
You’d think I was delusional.
Is political correctness dead?
Political correctness is just another term
for politeness, really. It’s only right and
fair that people should be able to go to
their places of work and not be called a
faggot or dyke or whatever. It’s
especially important in schools, because
children aren’t so able to protect
themselves from that kind of abuse.
There are tacit social contracts anyway in
day-to-day life. If there weren’t, we’d all
be following our baser instincts,
irrespective of the cost to others. So no,
political correctness isn’t dead. Far from
it.
Straight comedians,
like Jimmy Carr, often
tell jokes at the
expense of gay
people, and other
minorities. Can this
be justified?
Definitely. Who are we
to say what a
performer should or
shouldn’t talk about on
stage? If I don’t like a
particular comic, or
what she or he is
saying, I just don’t go
to see them. It’s that
simple, really. Like I said, stand-up is
theatre. And you can’t really apply
guidelines about acceptable social
behaviour to a theatrical performance.
That would be to take stand-ups at face
value, which more often than not kills the
comedy. So if you’re going to complain
about comics because of the sensitive
nature of their material then you’ve
missed the point. If you criticise Jerry
Sadowitz for being racist, sexist, or
homophobic, you may as well have a go
at Macbeth for his ruthless ambition. It
doesn’t make sense.
Ever had trouble with straight
audiences?
There’s no such thing as a straight
audience. Heterosexuality is a hoax.
9
Photo by Piers Allardyce
Q& A
DANAALEXANDER
Tells us about your brand new Edinburgh show ‘Breaking Through’
Well it’s really a mash up of anything and everything that has inspired me to write material
this year and a generic enough title that I don’t have to adhere to any specific structure.
The poster was inspired by the fact that I have always wanted to bust through paper.
How does standup comedy compare between here and your native Canada?
There are more gigs and less travel. More rationality, more opportunity, sharper audiences
but often drunker as well. Gigs vary within the same venue, never mind the same country.
You’ve been performing since you were 18. How did you get started?
I went to an artistic high school and took courses in drama, acting, directing, musical
theatre, and improv. It was actually a comedian that suggest I do stand up.
You are hugely popular with gay men and women.
I hope so. My immediate family is gay, as are most of my close friends.
You recently appeared on ‘Most Annoying People’ on BBC3. Who has annoyed you most
so far in 2012?
Cheryl Cole. Video Killed the Radio Star. She is so manufactured and the media always
portrays her as a victim.
OTTOKUHNLE
Tells us about your new show, ‘Ich Bin Ein Berliner’.
This show is my first solo show on the Fringe so I'm very excited! It’s all about my
experience of living in Berlin, told in a cabaret style. There are songs, crazy magic, I tell
stories and do a Burlesque dance as an angel.
Berlin has changed a lot over the years.
That's true, sometimes it’s funny to watch. There are parts of Berlin that you didn't even
know existed, and now they’re the number one place to go.
How does Berlin compare to Edinburgh?
Good question! To be honest I never compare them, because both cities are so different.
Especially during the Fringe, you’re so focused on the Festival that you sometimes don't
appreciate the city around you.
How long have you been performing in the UK? What brought you to Britain?
I’ve been performing in Britain for seven years now. The first gig I had was in London, at
Pear Shaped in Fitzrovia. I’d met Brian Damage and Krysstal in Berlin, and they’d invited
me to perform at their gig. That was the night I met Henning Wehn – in fact, he was the
only person I met, because pretty much no-one else showed up. So one of my most
significant nights in Britain, I didn’t even perform.
You sing, act, dance, juggle, play several instruments, perform magic tricks, as well as
standup comedy. Are you a born entertainer?
I don't know if you can be born as an entertainer. Like you’ve just come out of your mother
going “Hellooo!... Where’s my band?”. But in my family everybody sang and played
musical instruments, with the exception of my father. He was a doctor.
That remains to be seen. I look forward to seeing Hannibal Buress’s show.
Are you and fellow German and Henning Wehn just good friends? You look very good
together…
Thank you for the compliment, but I always think it’s better to keep business and pleasure
separate...
I love staying in the same place for a whole month and the FIT bartenders! I hate the rain
and being in rooms with too many comics.
I'm not the best person to ask this but I like Liam Mullone with his crazy and absurd
stories.
Breaking Through
10
Q& A
Underbelly Bristo Square
10.35pm 1-27 Aug
Ich Bin Ein Berliner
Assembly George Square
4.40pm 2-26 Aug
11
Photo by Idil Sukan Draw HQ Ltd
Q& A
JENBRISTER
Tell us about your new Edinburgh show ‘Now and Then’.
It’s a mixture of stand up and story telling - I need to tell you that because if I told you the
truth (it’s basically a beige lesbian shouting at you in a darkened room for 55 minutes) you
might not come. At 37 I am having an early mid life crisis as I try to figure out how I can
stop being such a cynical malcontent... in short I’m looking to change. So, I go back
through my life telling ‘hilarious’ stories and anecdotes about my childhood and
adolescence to try and figure how I got to be the grumpy twat that I am today. There will
be a lot of angst, it’ll be a bit like watching an episode of Hollyoaks, but with better acting
and deliberate jokes.
Your last Edinburgh show was a big hit with critics and audiences alike, (including a
rare 5 star review from ScotsGay). No pressure then!
I NEVER FEEL ANY PRESSURE AT ALL AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL. So, that’s just as
well really. I think anyone who saw last year’s show will enjoy this one. It’s very different
because it’s a lot more personal but if you like laughing ‘at’ someone for an hour, then do
come.
On stage you often joke about your Spanish mum. Has she ever seen your act and what
does she make of it?
I have never performed any material about My Mum on stage that she hasn’t seen or been
told about. In fact my first ever show was called, “Me, My Mum and I” and was an hour
dedicated to her. I gave her the script to read because she refused to watch it and she
laughed out loud which was a relief. Over the years she has seen me do material about her
and she always says, “Jennifer, I don’t speak anything like that…” To which I reply, “Of
course you don’t Mum!” (She does.)
When you performed infront of Spike Milligan, is it true that he said that you’ve,
“a great pair of Bristols”?
Yes. I was a lot younger back then so I probably did. If he’d seen me today the response
might be more along the lines of, “Nice Spaniels ears….”
How was Adelaide?
It was a lot of fun. I love performing in Australia everyone is weirdly upbeat which rubs off,
even on a grumpy sod like me. I can highly recommend two months in the sun during
British winter to anyone. Sunbathing in February takes smug to a whole new level. It was
also great to break in my show because I was under no pressure to be reviewed, so could
shape the show every night. Obviously Edinburgh is slightly different, it has to be the best
it can be and as for the weather I’ll be packing my winter coats, boots and thermals.
Lots of comics make me laugh sometimes more off stage than on, because to be honest
I’ve seen most comics sets several times over. But I would highly recommend folk go and
see Suzi Ruffell, Dr Brown, Briefs, Sexy Time, Markus Birdman, Nick Helm, Comic Strip,
Hannah Gadsby and Deanne Smith. All hilarious both on and off stage.
I love performing my show, the oysters & well hung burgers and sitting in the Meadows
should the sun ever make it out from behind the clouds. I’m less keen on troupes of
teenagers performing Hamlet the Musical on the Royal Mile, being flyered for my own
show and listening to that younger, better looking, more successful comic tell me how
dreadful it is that they didn’t quite sell out on Monday night.
After asking last year, one of our reviewers still wants your phone number. Can she
have it now?
Of course she can! It’s 000555778d67cnish99990776452. Don’t forget to use the Nigerian
area code first.
Now and Then
12
Just the Tonic @ The Caves
7.35pm 2-26 Aug
Q& A
EDWARDREID
Tells us about your brand new Edinburgh show ‘Living the Dream One Song at a Time’
People know me as the nursery rhyme guy and for changing the lyrics to songs. I get
people shouting Humpty Dumpty to me in the street and the first time I nearly burst out
crying thinking that I am so going on a diet! But then I realised this was there way of
telling me they like what I did on TV. In this show the music to some well known and loved
songs have been changed and you will hear some old favourites done in a different way think Liza Minnelli singing Snap’s Rhythm Is A Dancer! It’s a cabaret based around my life
so far and crammed with songs that have been important and that represent a specific
time in my life. Although I come for a small town in Scotland I think the show has
something that will resonate in people from all over the world. It's about growing up. I'm
sure everyone will see a bit of themselves in the songs or story.
You started singing relatively late in life.
I did yes. When I was younger we didn’t have drama classes and singing and dancing
weren’t encouraged. To learn a trade and to become a bricky, welder or plumber was more
expected. Manual work - oh the thought!
Did you enjoy the experience of participating in ‘Britain’s Got Talent’?
I loved every minute. It was an emotional roller coaster but I cherished every moment and
enjoyed the challenge. It taught me a lot about myself and it was a great experience for my
friends and family who got a buzz from it.
You were born in Coatbridge. Do you still live in Scotland?
Coatbridge born and bred and although moved to Glasgow five years ago I’m never away
from the place! I teach a drama group there (nifty fifty’s) and all my family are all still
there. I also like to go to Coatbridge for my weekly food shop and always bump into an
auntie or old friends.
You’re actively involved in several charities. Tell us about them.
I am the patron of the Ups and Downs which is a theatre group for people with Down’s
syndrome and their siblings. It’s a wonderful charity and they work hard all year round in
preparation for their annual show and I am inspired every time I see them. I dare anyone
to come to a show and not be a fan for life. I also work with Aberlour which is the largest
solely Scottish children’s charity and released Christmas EP to raise funds.
What is the secret to happiness?
I am a self help junkie – don’t get me started. I think you need to like yourself and look at
yourself as a work in progress. Don’t be hard on yourself and have dreams. I could go on
and on!
What else do you plan to see at the Edinburgh Fringe?
People have been contacting me on Facebook and Twitter to let me know what they are
doing so there are lots of things I want to see. I have lots of friends performing so I will of
course be supporting them. I want the full Fringe experience so I’ll be outside with
everyone else promoting the show, a theatre experience in itself! My cabaret is all about
sharing with the audience so I want to meet them beforehand.
I live in the West of Scotland which means that going through to Edinburgh is always a
treat. I like walking around then looking up and seeing the castle. I love the accent and
after every visit come home with an East Coast twang! There is nothing to hate about my
capital. I love it.
George Sq.
Living the Dream One Song at a Time Assembly
6.15pm 2-15 Aug
13
susan calman
sgfringe.com
Q& A
Two comedians in conversation.
Andrew Doyle caught up with Susan
Calman the week before her civil
partnership ceremony.
JIMJEFFERIES
Let’s cut to the chase. What is it with all these gay fans you have? Are you a gay icon?
I did go to school and studied Musical Theatre, I was an opera singer, I know all the words
to every Steven Sondheim Musical. I believe in gay rights and I protested for gay marriage
in California and marched till my feet hurt at other numerous gay marriage protests in
America. My belief is that ALL gays should get married so they can go through the same
pains and misery us heterosexuals have to go through. As for being a gay icon I don’t
believe I am but if you’re willing to label me one, go for it! I thought to be a gay icon you
had to actually be gay and all I do is suck the occasional cock.
Tell us about ‘Fully Functional’
It’s kind of loosely based around me growing up or becoming more of an adult and living
my dysfunctional life in a dysfunctional world. This will be the first year I hope that I won’t
turn up to a show drunk. I have to work a lot of the daytimes writing my new sitcom and
will also be editing my new DVD I filmed at the weekend. I also have a baby on the way so I
need to get into practise of not getting smashed outta my head. The material is as always a
mixture of religion bashing, long stories and the occasional misogyny.
A number of leading comedians are atheists, including Dara Ó Briain, Stewart Lee,
Lewis Black and many, many others. Why do you think this is?
To be a great comedian I believe you have to be smart and believing in God makes you an
idiot. It’s a pretty short and sweet answer but I can’t really develop beyond that. I can go
into to the whole Science v Myth and you should really see Alcoholocaust or I Swear to
God for most of my thoughts on this. Also check out Bill Maher, David Cross, Julia
Sweeney, George Carling, Ricky Gervais and Robin Ince who I also respect when it comes
to Atheists in Comedy.
Have you ever gone too far? Do you have a line you won’t cross?
Not really. There isn’t a line I haven’t crossed but that doesn’t mean I haven’t regretted
some of the things I have said.
Tell us about your forthcoming FX series Legit.
It’s a cocktail of all the best stories and stand-up I have been telling over the last ten years.
I play myself and the two other main characters are my best friend (Danny Bakkedahl –
Daily Show and Community) and his brother (DJ Qualls – Roadtrip and My Name is Earl)
who has muscular dystrophy. There are a few pics on my instagram account and I will be
taking photos throughout the filming and adding them to that if you want to see the
debauchery that’s going into this show. A lot of people ask us to describe the show or
compare it to another show and it’s really hard. I usually just end up saying… It’s not like
anything you have seen before and probably will ever see again!
So how does that feel to be getting
married?
Very nerve-wracking. People don’t
believe me when I say that making a
speech makes me nervous because
apparently I do that for a living. I just
hope I don’t cry. I’m a terrible crier. I’ve
got a horrible feeling I’m going to weep
throughout the whole thing, and my
image as this feisty Glaswegian comic
will be out the window.
How long have you been together?
Nine years now. A long time.
Do you think when gay marriage is
legalised you will “upgrade”, so to
speak?
Without a doubt. It’s something that I’ll
say in my speech, that I hope one day I’ll
be able to dissolve the civil partnership
and get married. Nobody needs to come
to another ceremony, or give me another
present. Some people say to me that I
should wait until the law changes to do
this. But there’s no guarantee it will
change. It’s 2012. I came out in 1990.
Twenty-three years I’ve been waiting, and
I don’t particularly want to wait any
longer. Even if the English bill’s passed,
it has to go through the Lords, so it could
take years.
This is your 7th Edinburgh Fringe. What do you like/dislike about Edinburgh and the
Fringe?
I LOVE the Fringe. It’s is something I love doing. I’m in the same place for more than a
week, so it’s kind of like my home from home. It’s the longest I stay in one place for the
longest amount of time, usually I’m on a plane going here, there or somewhere to do
shows. I also get to see my mates I haven’t seen for ages, we’re all in the same town and
we’re all more relaxed for it. I also love the Edinburgh Festival audiences and Edinburgh
itself. It truly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This is one of my last Fringes
though for a while. I’ll hope to be back in 2014 but I think realistically it won’t be 2015 until
I’m back again. I’m also on tour from Aug 21st - Sep 17th.
Which comedians performing at the Edinburgh Fringe this year make you laugh?
I’ll probably see a few of the Australians I missed in Melbourne. I heard Felicity Ward had a
great show so I want to see her and Sammy J and Randy. Then Benny Boot who wasn’t in
Melbourne this year but is definitely one of the finest Aussie exports from the last couple of
years, he reminds me a little of Mitch Hedberg and Milton Jones so I will catch him at
some point. I’d like to see Stewart Lee, Andrew Maxwell and Michael Winslow but I know
they are on at the same time as me so I will have to choose wisely which one to see on my
day off. There’s probably a helluva lot more acts I’d like to see but won’t be able to as my
show time is 9pm. But I will definitely have a laugh during the Fringe. I always do!
Fully Functional
14
Assembly Hall
9pm 2-26 Aug
Susan Calman pics by Steve Ullathorne
Is it true that at least 10 of your fans have your name tattooed on their bodies?
It’s not true. Eight people have my name on their bodies, two people have my face, one guy
has the two J’s that I stand in front of on my DVD’s and another guy has a quote of one of
my stand-up pieces. We actually recorded one guy having his tattoo live during one of our
podcasts. Very funny!
A lot of gay people see marriage as
quite a destructive thing. On the other
hand, it’s about the choice, isn’t it?
Exactly. You can only have a choice if
you’ve got more than one option. And at
the moment the option is don’t do it, or
have a civil partnership. And that’s not
really a choice at all. Now that I’m going
through this whole process it’s
something I feel very strongly about. The
lack of choice that we’ve had. The
restrictions on the ceremony.
What kind of restrictions?
For example, when we were sorting out
our ceremony, we were told that we
weren’t allowed to walk down the aisle to
“Let’s Get Married” by the Proclaimers.
And we’re not allowed to have the Pam
Ayres poem “Yes I’ll Marry You”. It’s all
because you’re not allowed anything with
the word “marry”. So my sister came
down the aisle to “Let’s Get Married” but
I can’t.
The idea of banning Pam Ayres is quite
funny in a way.
I know. Of all the people to bloody ban.
Do you think that with the introduction
of equal marriage identity politics is
now losing its relevance?
Well I worry a little bit. I was very
political when I was younger. A lot of us
were who grew up through the whole
Section 28 thing, because it was in our
face. And when I talk to some younger
gay people about these things, they don’t
seem to care much about politics. But
then I don’t think politicians are really
connecting with the young. You don’t
need to put a baseball cap on in order to
be honest with people.
You were a lawyer originally, weren’t
you?
For seven years, yes.
I heard that you spent some time with
inmates on death row in North Carolina.
I won a scholarship when I was at
university – because I studied American
constitutional law – and I was able to go
to Raleigh at the North Carolina appellate
centre. Sister Helen Prejean, who was
played by Susan Sarandon in Dead Man
Walking, came and spoke to us. It was
about getting sentences commuted to life
without parole. It wasn’t about letting
people out, but saying that the death
penalty was cruel. So we worked with
prisoners trying to get their cases
appealed.
So you think it’s because young people
have less to react against?
Maybe. But I also think that people are
more inclined to read the Internet and
believe what they’re told rather than
finding out about things for themselves.
If you’re an eighteen-year-old, with no
prospect of a job or a career, is it easier
to just accept it and carry on, or to get
angry about it? I would probably have
got angry, but not everyone does.
Maybe anger’s quite hard in a way.
I think so. And it’s also not necessarily
the most fashionable thing to be political.
And after the scandals, there’s a lot of
apathy in the political system in general.
So why would people invest in a system
that essentially is corrupt at its core? But
young gay people should care about their
political interests. They should get angry.
When I read what’s written in the papers
about gay marriage I have to calm myself
down. The Bishop of Paisley said that it
would “shame Scotland in the eyes of the
world”. I think that’s disgusting in 2012.
I’ve been with my girlfriend for nine
years. I’ve paid taxes all my life. I’ve not
got any criminal convictions. I am not a
shame on my country, I’m just somebody
who wants to get married. It’s very
simple, really.
Much of the opposition to the
legislation does seem to be religious in
nature.
Yes, but I’m very aware that not all
religious groups feel like that. The
argument about equal marriage seems to
me to be conducted with very broad
brush strokes. And it’s very important
not to do that. There are some Christians
who are for it and some against it, and I
think we need to keep sight of the fact
that this is a very individual issue for a lot
of people. Members of my family who
are Christians are coming to my civil
partnership and have no problem at all
about it.
Isn’t the problem that when religious
leaders say these things it appears as
though they are speaking on behalf of a
whole community?
Of course. But I think part of bigotry is
seeing people as one big group. It’s not
exactly the same, but you could say
something similar about female
comedians. There are those who think
that all female comedians are exactly the
same, when of course we’re all very
different.
It’s very strange to see so many articles
recently asking whether women are
funny or not. Aren’t we over this by
now?
There’s at least one a week. I think the
best argument I’ve read is from Tina Fey
in her book Bossypants where she says
that although she doesn’t like Chinese
food, that doesn’t mean she writes
articles saying why she doesn’t like it.
What would be the point? I don’t like all
male comedians, but I don’t write articles
about that. I had a gig cancelled recently
because they had a woman on last month
and no-one liked her. If you don’t like
female comedians, that’s fine. But don’t
assume we’re all the same.
What would you consider to be the best
and worst aspects of stand-up?
The best is getting a reaction to
something you’ve written that afternoon
that you’ve been working on and people
genuinely find it funny. The worst is
when you stand in front of a group of
drunk people who just shout insulting
things at you. Sometimes they come up
to you afterwards and say they thought
they were helping. The old adage that a
comedian should be able to handle any
room is entirely wrong.
There aren’t many other jobs where
people just go along to hurl abuse.
There are none. I’ve had friends come
along to gigs really drunk and heckle me
and I’ve not spoken to them afterwards.
Because I don’t turn up drunk at their
workplace and shout things at them. It
happens sometimes at the Festival too,
when people buy tickets for your show
without knowing who you are. You
spend a year working on a show, you
spend a lot of money, and then someone
comes along drunk and just shouts
things at you. It’s not the best.
I saw you in a sketch show in 2008
called The Angry Puppy. Is that
something you’d like to do more of or
are you focusing mostly on the stand
up?
I really enjoy sketch work and acting.
I’ve just been in a sitcom called Dead
Boss which I loved doing. And I’ve also
recently done a children’s BBC show. I’d
love to do more of this kind of thing. The
Angry Puppy was a fantastic show and it
always upsets me that nobody did
anything more with it.
So you sympathise with her
perspective, presumably?
I’ve always thought that the death penalty
is absolutely wrong. But I thought that I
needed to test that belief by going over
there and talking to the people involved.
I spoke to victims’ families as well as
prisoners. It was a tough summer. I
went to Provincetown afterwards and just
hung out with lots of nice gay people,
because being in North Carolina prisons
was quite hardcore, very emotionally
draining. There I was, a twenty-year-old
from Glasgow, sitting on death row
behind a Perspex screen with a guy who
had killed a lot of women. But it was lifechanging. I still think it’s probably the
best thing I’ve ever done.
So moving from that kind of work into
stand-up must have been quite a stark
transition. Did you always know you’d
eventually want to go into comedy?
It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. But I
don’t even think The Stand in Glasgow
was open in 1992. I think these days, as
an eighteen-year-old you can say I want
to go into comedy, and there are courses
and things like that. But back then you
went to university and you got a job. And
so that’s what I did. And by the time I
was in my early thirties I was an
associate in a big law firm, and the next
step was partner. If I’d have taken that
step I’d never have done anything else. It
was time to cut and run and see if I could
make it work. It was a very well-paid job,
but in my first year of stand-up I think I
earned something like £250.
15
Photo by Jesper Frisk
@sgfringe
Q& A
It can be quite dispiriting, can’t it?
It is. And it’s been a long, hard slog. But
it’s all part of the joy. If you’re getting in
to comedy to be on the television and to
be famous then you’re in the wrong job.
So would you say to young comedians
in a similar position that they should
just go for it?
I think you need support. If you are with
someone they need to buy into it
completely, or the relationship will fail.
You have to commit to the hell that will
happen. The terrible gigs, the heckling,
the shitty remarks. And, of course,
spending fifteen thousand pounds to go
to the Edinburgh Festival.
ALPITCHER
Tells us about your brand new Edinburgh show ‘Tiny Triumphs’
It’s an Olympic year, not all of us will win, lose or even take part but we will pay for it. So I
want to celebrate those less fortunate than us, I want the real winners to come to my
show, the real losers as well, I want them to take part in a real Olympics. I will have peanut
swallowing, key ring connecting challenges, holy shit I don’t know what I am creating; I
just want to be the ringmaster of an hour of chaos.
You’ve been away for five years.
Yes for crimes I didn’t commit, I live in Sweden now, life is great, I have a son and I enjoy
the life of a Viking: waking up early, running to the icy waters naked and embracing life.
It’s the best move I’ve ever made, the Swedes are fantastic people but it feels a perfect
time to return to the Festival.
You won Sweden’s “Svenska Stand up Galan’s” Best Male Comedian prize.
It blew my mind, I perform in English but I have been accepted by the audiences and the
comedy community have really looked after me. I began again, I went to open mic nights
and I feel I got my passion for comedy back and I thank the Swedes for that.
How does living in Sweden compare to your native New Zealand?
It’s green, cold as hell in winter, no hobbits, but I love it. I lived in London for 10 years, it
chewed me up and spat me out. I now live 20 minutes outside Stockholm and the lifestyle
is just right, it’s Suburbia but I’m 40 so I’m happy with that.
Love, I think when you find that person, you know how much shit, life throws at you, you
have that person thinking about you. Oh and a good coffee, I drink so much of the stuff
now, I’m like Renton of the caffeine world: Choose life. Choose a latte.
Do you consider yourself to be ‘quirky’?
Mate, to be honest I can’t believe I still do comedy; it’s something I never planned for. I
started when I was twenty-eight and when it goes great it’s a bonus. I have always tried to
be a nice, positive person, I thought comedy was full of assholes and I would hate to try
and be that but in the end if you try to be as much yourself as possible you do okay.
Who are your biggest comedic influences?
My mum, my wife and now my son Frank. They make me laugh like I can’t believe; also
watching people is a good thing as long as they don’t catch you.
I hate going up Arthur’s Seat, I love coming down from Arthur’s Seat.
I love a deep fried Mars bar, I hate myself afterwards.
I feel the pressure and I love and hate it.
Edinburgh is Aug to me, it’s the Olympics of comedy, it’s a bubble of hope and glory. Get
involved, I would love you for it.
Tiny Triumphs
16
Gilded Balloon Teviot
8.15pm 1-26 Aug
Is there a theme to this year’s show?
Yes. It’s basically what we’ve been
talking about in lots of ways. It’s called
This Lady’s Not for Turning Either. It’s
about getting married in 2012. It’s the
story of what’s happened throughout this
whole process. I’m trying to explain to
people – in a humorous way – why it’s an
important issue.
Q& A
So it’s quite a personal
show as well?
Very personal. I talk about
my relationship a lot. I talk
about my girlfriend. I’m
trying to normalise. I’m
trying to say “this is the
just same as you”. And
for a lot of people who
see my show I will
be the first lesbian
they’ve had any
form of contact
with. We live in a
community where
we think everything is
fine, but that’s not
necessarily true. People still aren’t
coming out because they’re
frightened. So there’s a bit of a role
there for somebody to stand
ScotsGay
susan calman
up and say I’m not
frightened of what you’re
going to say to me, call me a
dyke or whatever. I’m out, I
don’t care, but I’m still
going to stand up and say
what I think is important.
But it’s a very funny show.
Of all the shows I’ve done,
this is my favourite.
And what does
your partner think
about being
mentioned in
public?
She’s used to it. She
comes to the Festival every year,
and there I am taking the piss out
of her again. She’s very good
about it, actually. After nine
years, I’m quite a good judge of what will
make her upset. Or maybe not.
And will you be out on the gay scene at
all during the Festival?
It’s not for me. I’ve not been to a club –
straight or gay – in about eight years.
Now I’m almost an old married lady, I
just don’t like it. I’m short. People are
tall. I get elbowed in the face. It’s
expensive. I can’t dance. I get quite
grumpy, to be honest.
Susan Calman: This Lady’s
Not for Turning Either
Underbelly
Bristo Square
1st- 27th Aug (not 13th),
6pm (1hour)
Tickets £10/£12
Phone booking: 0844 545 8252
Online booking: underbelly.co.uk
Andrew Doyle: Whatever it Takes
8pm (1hour)
Tickets £5.50/£7.00
A d ve r ti s e i n
MICHAELWORKMAN
Tells us about your brand new Edinburgh show ‘Mercy’
Mercy is the story of a young Cuban dissident in the 60s, who critisises Castro and is exiled in a fantasy limbo world involving cabbages.
60s Cuba isn’t a usual backdrop for a comedy show.
Good. I wouldn't want to watch anything usual and neither should my audience.
How political is the show?
It depends. You could very easily think of it as a little fable about fatherhood, or it could be
a scathing indictment of modern culture. The political involvement is really up to the audience member.
Have you performed at the Edinburgh Fringe before?
Yes, last year I performed my show 'Humans are Beautiful' which was about a talking dog.
How does your native Australia compare to Scotland?
In what way? Scotland is markedly more Scotland-y.
It’s not as
ex p e ns i ve a s y ou
t h in k
Who inspires you?
Musicians mostly, and people who just do things fearlessly.
It’s a secret.
I plan on seeing sleep. And curry. And whatever show I have time for in between those two
things.
Love the people, hate the weather. I'm sure I'm not alone there.
Mercy
C ont ac t M art i n M ann
[email protected]
0131-661 6037 / 07850 576106
Guilded balloon at Third Floor
6.15pm 1-26 Aug
17
Q& A
TOON from the LADY BOYS
Tells us about yourself.
My name is Angkookrat Rawangnam - but to my friends I am known as Toon. Like many
of the Lady Boys although my name has no meaning in the Thai language it has a very
pleasant sound in our native tongue. I come from Pattaya, 70 miles South East of
Bangkok. I am the youngest of five children and was raised by my mother and father. My
father is a fisherman and my mother is a teacher.
Did you have a good childhood?
I was happy child growing up - my mother and father were caring and thankfully we had a
little bit more money than many people growing up in Pattya. However when I became a
teenager I realised I could not relate to boys of my own age. I wasn’t interested in typical
male pursuits such as kickboxing, football and martial arts so began to feel more and
more isolated. I kept hoping that I would feel less confused and less lost but it didn’t
happen.
When did you first think of yourself as kathoey?
(Kathoey or Kathoei is a Thai term that refers to a transgender or third gender person)
At 16 I began to consider myself female full-time. I always had an interest in dressing up
in my mother’s clothes and wearing make-up but it wasn’t until my late teens that I
thought I might be kathoey. Boy’s games never really interested me I was just happier
doing my own thing. At college I studied drama and it was an eye-opening experience as
for the first time I met other boys who felt the same as I did. This was a great reassurance
for me. For the first time I didn’t feel alone. I had never discussed my feelings with my
parents - although I thought they might understand and indeed they probably had their
suspicions - it didn’t feel comfortable. Once they found out they quickly accepted me for
who I am though, so I wish I had had the courage to tell them directly.
When did your parents discover your ‘secret’?
It was through one of my aunts that my mother and my father found out that I was a Lady
Boy. In my final years of academic study I used to drive to Pattaya with some friends and
we would visit one of the Lady Boys cabaret shows. The Lady Boys were so beautiful and
had such perfect features and figures that I felt very jealous. I knew that if I was to be a
Lady Boy I would want to look as beautiful. Because I had made friends with some of the
cabaret artistes they put me forward for an audition. I had never had any professional
dance training and I really only agreed to do it because I wanted to learn how the Lady
Boys applied their makeup. It is such a skill. I got a job in the chorus and had to learn to
dance and all about stage movement and deportment. I had been combining my life as a
student and as a cabaret dancer for about a year when on one of my visits home (still
disguised as a boy) one of my aunts came in and confronted me and my parents with the
fact that I was a Lady Boy because someone she knew had been to the show in Pattaya
and seen me on stage! I don’t know who was more shocked, my parents at finding out I
was no longer the son they thought I was or me for having my secret revealed. When the
dust settled my parents was absolutely fine. For me it meant a lot that I no longer had to
hide a secret.
How did you become a member of the Lady Boys of Bangkok?
I was appearing in cabaret in Pattaya when I heard that there might be an opportunity to
appear in the Lady Boys of Bangkok UK tour. I immediately went to Bangkok and was
lucky enough to be selected to join the tour. It is a wonderful opportunity as this is the only
Lady Boys cabaret show west of Thailand and its international reputation is second to
none. It is a great honour to be in the show not only because of the exacting standards
demanded of the performers but also because of the genuine warmth and appreciation of
the audiences in Britain. Our UK tour is a long one – lasting several months. We travel
together and wherever we are appearing for a season – as at the Brighton Festival, or
Manchester, or the Edinburgh Fringe – which is the largest arts festival in the world - we
stay together as a family in rented accommodation. Being together is very special for us
as we cook for ourselves - always Thai food - and can chill out in the privacy of our own
space. Any problems that any one of the group may encounter can be shared and
resolved. Sometimes however, like in any family, there are disagreements – but these are
soon resolved or forgotten. All of us have one single desire – to be the best at what we do
and to entertain our audiences like they have never been entertained before. We are all
very proud of the way we look, the costumes we wear and the show we present.
The Lady Boys of Bangkok
18
Meadows Theatre Big Top
4.30pm, 6.45pm, 9pm 4-26 Aug
19
Q& A
MEL GIEDROYC
Tells us about the plot of ‘Slice’
“Slice” is a dark comedy about three sisters who have reunited in their childhood home in
Scotland. Their mum is in a coma offstage. Secrets, revelations and regrets unravel as
these three very different characters play out their stories in the kitchen. The sisters were
all named after cakes and their mother always insisted on afternoon tea at three thirty
sharp every day. The middle sister, Victoria, has looked after their sick mother for years,
on her own, and her ritualistic baking of a Victoria sponge every day is now done with
more than a whiff of slightly crazed OCD. The action starts as the butter and sugar is being
creamed, and the play ends with the baked cake being eaten by the three sisters – the
action of the play therefore follows the plot of a recipe and a Victoria Sponge is baked
before the audience’s eyes at every performance.
It was first performed as part of ‘A Play, A Pie and A Pint’ at Oran Mor?
Yes. I’d performed in Vagina Monologues in Glasgow and friends had told me I had to go
to Oran Mor. I was completely bowled over by the place. I found it really exciting that 38odd new plays were produced there every year.
This is your first foray into serious playwriting. What made you take it up and how did
you get started?
It’s something I’d really wanted to do for years and years but was too lazy or scared, or a
combination of the two, to embark on. It was David MacLennan at Oran Mor giving me a
stiff whisky and telling me to go for it, then giving me a deadline, which gave me the boot
up the backside that I needed.
You’ve written for others, including, ‘French and Saunders’. How does writing ‘Slice’
compare?
I found the process totally absorbing and addictive, once I’d got over the whole fear factor
of actually writing a full-length piece. I’ve written tons of sketches and the odd half hour
thing, but never something like this before. I just had to plunge in I suppose. The weather
was absolutely rubbish after Xmas, my kids had tonsillitis and I just holed up at home and
bashed out a first draft between dispensing antibiotics and Calpol. I absolutely loved doing
it. I’ve got several more on the brew in my head.
You’re most well known on television for your double act with Sue Perkins.
We’ve just finished Series Three of BBC2’s “Great British Bakeoff” which means that we
work and hang out a lot together which is fab. Next year marks the rather dubious
TWENTIETH anniversary of the Mel/Sue double act. We are talking about putting
something together for the stage together for 2013. As they say (and I hate this
expression) …watch this space!!
Who are your biggest influences and who inspires you?
It sounds cheesy but my family is my biggest influence. And by that I mean the whole
damn crazy lot of them – Mum, Dad, brothers, sisters, my kids, husband, and nieces and
nephews. And David Maclennan at Oran Mor. And my comedy partner Sue Perkins. And
there’s a guy called Chris Luscombe (he’s a heater director now) who I saw perform when
I was sixteen, and watching him convinced me that comedy was the right home for me.
Do you plan to see anyone else at the Fringe while you are here?
I have five nieces and nephews in five different shows at the Fringe this year. Most of my
week up there will be spent seeing them (and cooking for them no doubt).
What next for Mel Giedroyc?
I’m going to write another play for Oran Mor in the autumn, I have a comedy drama in
development with the BBC, series 4 of Bakeoff next year, and who knows, maybe a cheeky
little live show with Sue will emerge too!
Slice by Mel Giedroyc
20
Guilded Balloon Teviot
1pm 1-27 Aug
Q& A
MITCH BENN
Tells us about your new Edinburgh show ‘Reduced Circumstances’
Erm, it's about a bunch of things but I guess the main "thread" is about my weight loss; I
caused a bit of a reaction at Edinburgh last year because in the first half of last year I took
ten stone off and it was the first time a lot of people had seen me since. Everyone was on
at me to do a show about the weight loss LAST year but I pointed out that it was
premature; I'd only just taken the weight off and I knew the hard part was going to be
KEEPING it off so I told everyone that if I was still relatively slim this year I'd do the weight
loss show THIS year, cos then I'd feel like I've cracked it. But now we're here, and I HAVE
kept it off I realise that I haven't cracked it and I don't think you ever "crack it"; it's
something I'm going to have to work at forever. But that makes it sound miserable and
worthy, which it's not! It's funny! That's the plan anyway.
Is Radio 4’s ‘The Now Show’ as fun to work on as it sounds?
It is indeed. More so.
You’re got a huge online presence – Twitter especially. Has the Internet changed the
way you work for the better?
Oh yes. It enables you to keep in touch with your public and wherever possible, make
them part of what you do. Make them your collaborators rather than just spectators and
consumers.
Who inspires you?
It's often musicians rather than other comedians; I guess I straddle the two disciplines
rather uncomfortably and I draw inspiration from both sides. Anyone doing what they
want to do with conviction. I don't know if you've been following Amanda Palmer's
adventures but she's the most compelling live act on the planet right now. Extraordinary.
Do you prefer classic or new Who?
I'm just so happy it's been restored to its rightful place in the hearts of the nation's
children...
Are you still proud of the BBC?
Yes. Increasingly. And it needs to be defended more than ever.
Is "Mitch Benn's Crimes Against Music" coming back soon?
Wouldn't have thought so. Think that idea kind of ran its course and while I do
occasionally have ideas for radio shows they tend to be better suited to Radio 2 than 4 and
Radio 2's pretty much given up on comedy now so that's probably that I'm afraid.
Of all the comics appearing on the Fringe this year, makes you laugh the most?
Do you know I've been so insanely busy I haven't even looked to see who's coming?
Shameful I know.
Edinburgh was my home for years and it still feels as much like home as anywhere; I'm
looking forward to that home coming feeling. Hate? Not much. Weather could be better,
but that's true of the whole UK right now.
If you had to date a man for the day, who would it be and why?
Well no-one I HAD to date, that would be tense and horrible! I'd happily date a man as
long as he didn't think buying me dinner meant he got to, you know... I've only ever been
hit on by guys about three times ever and I found it very flattering, although it IS
happening a bit more now I'm thin. Honestly you lot, you're so shallow...
Reduced Circumstances
Stand Three
3pm 2-26 Aug
21
Photo by Steve Ullathorne
Q& A
LUCY PORTER
CARL EINAR HACKER
Tells us about your brand new Edinburgh show Hand Luggage
It’s a show with comedy, magic, music and an Ikea display. And reeeeal good tricks and a
love song (in a way to get me more personal). I wanted to do a show that fits in your hand
luggage. I also reflect on how it is to be away from people you care and love while
travelling. I play harmonica, and show a Swedish view on things.
Tells us about your brand new Edinburgh show ‘People Person’
It’s a show about friendship, but it also contains home shopping hints and at least one reference to Jedward. It’s on at The Stand, which is the first club in Edinburgh that I ever
played at, back in the last millennium. So even though it’s a new show, it sort of feels like a
homecoming. It’s on at 5.15pm which is an excellent time because neither I, nor the audience, will be too drunk.
You went down a storm at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival
earlier this year.
It was great fun. I love Melbourne. I love the audience. It’s great to go to the other side of
the world to be with that audience. It’s the same audience as in Sweden, they get my
flavour of comedy.
This is your 15th Edinburgh Fringe. You honestly don’t look old enough!
Oh you! I have been coming to the Fringe for years because if you love the arts it’s the only
place on earth to be in Aug. It has become more exhausting as the years have gone by, but
I stay young by kidnapping students who are putting on plays in obscure Fringe venues
and drinking their blood. Sometimes their absence can go undetected for weeks provided
no one buys a ticket to their show.
How did you get started performing magic?
As a six year old I was captured by a trick my grandmother showed me in making the cap
to a mineral water bottle disappear. That started something. I still want that first kick I felt
and I’m still looking for the cap. I started to perform in public at 11 years old in the same
park that I now do my variety show in Gothenburg in July, which I’ve done the last 16
years... I remember clearly that I loved the moment when I went from not knowing
anything backstage to suddenly being on stage in the middle of this energy which was
unexplainable. I had practiced before in my mother’s living room for her girlfriends.
Edinburgh’s missed you for the last couple of years. What have you been up to?
I’ve written a trilogy of science fiction novels and two Oscar winning screenplays, edited
and translated a collection of Tajikistani poetry, designed a new library building for Brunel
University and directed a musical based on the life of Marie Curie.
Er, actually I’m just joking. I’ve been having children: Emily in September 2010 and John in
December last year. Basically I’ve decided that in any given year I can either write an Edinburgh show or have a baby, and for 2012 I’ve decided to come to the Festival and give my
fanny a bit of a rest.
Tell us about your time with La Clique.
I did guest spots in 2004. I then toured with them and did one hundred and eighty shows
or more. It was awesome fun and I loved the performers and their art. It was so present all
the time, the fastest possible way to the audience, on a short amount of time, standing on
a piano or in the circle. I loved it. Very inspiring.
You’re a big hit with the LGBT community. Is it something you’re aware of?
Some of my favourite gigs are gay – Bent Double in Brighton and the Comedy Camp in
London for example. Luckily my immense sexual magnetism is so powerful that it exerts
its force over gays and straights alike – men, women, animals, even certain bacteria are irresistibly attracted to me.
Do you prefer working on TV, radio or to a live audience?
TV for the money, radio for the bookish charm, live audiences for the adrenalin rush.
Sarah Kendall makes me laugh the most in terms of both volume and frequency. I see
more of her than any other comic because she’s my oldest friend at the Fringe. We also
had our first babies at roughly the same time, so we spend a lot of time together with our
families during the Festival. She’s the most brilliant comic, and to see her on stage you’d
think she’s very witty and erudite, but off-stage we laugh mostly about stories involving
poo. Our babies’ poo, our spouses’ poo, our own poo, it’s all fair game.
I love the second-hand clothes shops (especially Armstrong’s for vintage cashmere) I hate
the pan pipes players on Princes Street.
People Person
22
Q& A
Stand One
5.15pm 3-26 Aug
How does your native Sweden compare to Scotland?
My town Gothenburg has nearly the same weather as Edinburgh. Swedes love the Scottish
vibe, Whisky and humour, (if they get the accent). Henke Larsson played there also.
Swedes respect Scottish visiting football fans for drinking all the beer in Henke’s last game
in Sweden before the interval.
You’re very popular on Swedish television. Do you prefer TV or performing Live?
Live. I do that more. But I would also like to do a television show. I did a spinoff of Steptoe
and Son in 1995 which was awesome fun to be a part of. We wrote the four and half
spinoff episodes with permission from the original writers, with me as a secret brother,
because the old guy died. I show up after the funeral. I performed with Thomas Von
Brömsen and it was a good fit. It was a very good experience. Sitcom can be fun to do.
I hope many colleagues and comedians. I want to see some theatre shows to and see
things I did not expect.
I love the atmosphere. The town is so special. To find a moment in the madness.
I hate pouring rain. Depressive damp wet everything and cold hands, carrying shit a long
way for some piss reason you can’t see the reason for anymore... hmm... experience
talking there...
Handluggage
Gilded Balloon Teviot
7.30pm 1-27 Aug
23
@sgfringe
Q& A
Clare Finney
[email protected]
GAVIN ROACH
Tells us about your Fringe play, ‘Confessions of a Grindr Addict.’
Confessions of a Grindr Addict introduces the audience to the ever loveable yet highlyemotional character Felix. The play tells the story of Felix and his impending date. A real
date! But it’s a date with a difference. So why is he freaking out? It’s been over a year
since Felix has been on a proper date and he can’t help but wonder: “What does a guy actually do on a date that doesn’t involve sex?” Confessions of a Grindr Addict is a comical,
intimate and at times awkward journey through the gay dating world as Felix shares his secrets about sex, love and the odd fetish... or two.
How did the play come about?
I’ve wanted to try my hand at writing for a long time but everything seemed to come out
very See Spot Run, so after many a late night I just decided to write what I know and at the
time it was Grindr and my addiction to it. After writing and performing a short ten minute
version I worked on expanding the story and the character and entered it into the Sydney
Fringe and the rest, as they say, is history.
How personal is the play to you?
Very! The play is based on my adventures and experiences, though they are heavily dramatized. Felix is the name I use on my Grindr profile; he is kind of my alter ego. He’s the one
that gets to have all the wild and sassy fun while Gavin is left with the shame and phone
bill.
The play won the 2011 Sydney Fringe Festival’s Award for Excellence.
The award was so unexpected but such a huge honour. When I wrote the play I thought
that only my friends and selected family members (not my parents) would come and see it
but I was so blown away by the audience turn out and the support. Receiving the award
was the icing on a very delicious cake.
Clare Finney grabbed
David Mills, as he
prepared for his
Edinburgh Fringe show...
David Mills is Smart Casual
Alternative Fringe @ The Hive
15-17 Niddry Street
2nd - 27th Aug
3.45pm
Free Ticketed
David Mills is smart casual. I mean,
literally, he is smart casual, with no tie and
a soft white shirt unbuttoned at the top.
Well, no shit Sherlock, you’re thinking, it’s
the name of the show. Under normal
circumstances I’d agree with you - but the
thing with David Mills is, he is “always,
always, always, always smart”.
“Always,” he says again – as if,
perhaps, I had missed the point and
mistaken his smart casual attire for what he
normally wears. Today is an exception
because it is “so warm.” Though half ten at
night, it is still pleasant enough to sit
outside the theatre discussing Mills’s debut
Fringe show – the preview of which we
have just seen him perform at the Canal
Café – and comedy in general, on which
Mills holds some strong opinions; and with
the small but voluble reaction of the
audience behind him, and the excitement of
the Fringe to come, he’s on a roll.
First in the firing line are young, naïve
stand ups. “All these 22-year-olds getting
up and complaining about their lives and
how they’re so awkward…” he shrugs
despairingly. “I mean, God bless them. I
love them, but I also want to say “tell me
event in support of
SATURDAY 25th AUGUST
8.30pm (60mins)
Loud & Proud, Scotland’s LGBT
singing sensation,
combines Scottish songs, international repertoire, stirring
anthems and pop classics; a Fringe hot ticket – book early!
Supporting Waverley Care.
Have Smartphones and the Internet changed the way gay men meet?
Definitely! I deleted the app for a month once and had no idea what do to. I had totally forgotten what life was like before the online phenomenon came along. I think there are pros
and cons to online and smart phone dating and while it’s fun and adventurous, one should
always remember not to take it too seriously and not to be afraid to still approach that cute
shy guy in the corner of a coffee shop or bar. Who knows, he might be the man of your
dreams or the man of your afternoon at the very least.
A Smartphone full of battery life ready for a whole day of Grinding! There’s nothing worse
than having your phone die on you mid Grind.
Have you been to Edinburgh before?
No this is my first time - and let’s just says that I am more than a little ‘pants wetting’ excited!!! I have listened with jealous ears to all my friend’s stories and can’t stop looking at
all the pictures of the past years. I’m trying to stay calm but I find myself randomly giggling with anticipation during the day.
My list of “Must See” plays is rapidly growing as I look over my guide each day. Of course
I will be cheering on my fellow Best of Sydney Fringers, Keira Daley (LadyNerd) and Ali
Kennedy Scott (The Day the Sky Turned Black) and I am so excited to check out the productions of 1984 and A Clockwork Orange. Both look amazing and wonderfully engaging.
But apart from those I am really looking forward to taking chances on plays and seeing
productions I’d not normally get a chance to see.
Confessions of a Grindr Addict
24
Assembly Hall
9pm 2-26 Aug
Sponsored by MHD Law LLP
Stockbridge Parish Church
Tickets available from:
Saxe Coburg Street, Edinburgh
TICKETS: £12 (£9 concession)
Fringe Box Office 0131 226 0000
Waverley Care
0131 556 9710
Scottish Charity No. SC036500
what you think!” It’s one of the reasons, he
says, he struggles with Twitter. He doesn’t
talk about himself on principle - and if he’s
on a bus tweeting and not observing people
he’s concerned.
After all, nigh on half of his material is
premised on public transport and public
affairs. Though American by birth, he has
lived in London since 2000, easily long
enough to mock the buses. Indeed it is the
subject of his opening skit. Having felled
both the Queen and the weather with one
stone – “the Jubilee. What a tragedy” – he
uses the speculation that the whole thing
ended in a night bus home to launch into a
joyous tirade against the network.
“People are so mean on the tube!
Sitting there all huddled thinking ‘Fuck
You’.” He sniffs. “We on the buses are far
more generous with our rage. ‘Fuck you!’
(He spreads his arms wide.) ‘Fuck you!’ It’s
far more giving.” He grins. Three minutes,
and he’s dealt with the material that many a
stand up could dwell on for hours.
Seen here on the page I’m conscious
this sounds aggressive – and, in a way, it
is. Yet in reality watching Mills live is far
more endearing than you’d expect. You
david mills
cannot help but like him: his grin, his
bitchiness, his honesty with regards being
a gay, style-obsessed American. Living in
Bethnal Green, for example, he finds its
dress code there a continual source of joy.
“The population is half Islamic, half
students there. Everyone is wearing
pyjamas!” Again, I might have deemed it
aggressive - had it not been qualified by
both its delivery, and by our chat after the
show.
“You know, I actually love that long
tunic over a blazer look,” he enthuses.
“Tom Ford once said the best dressed man
was Hamid Karzai [the president of
Afghanistan], and I agree with him. But I’m
my mother’s son and I’ve been brought up
to get dressed.” In order to do so, he must
spurn his pyjamas, don a suit, and, if he
goes out in the evening he must dress
again. No wonder he was so surprised by
the informality when he came here.
“There’s a lot of unspoken rules in the US
you don’t get here. You’d never see
someone in a blazer and a T-shirt at a
wedding there, for example, whereas here
there is always one guy in the photos”. It
doesn’t annoy him, but it makes for easy
comic fuel.
That said, if there is one area where
style bothers Mills more than any other, it is
in comedy: for while the material can be
anything, it is nothing without the frills. “I
can’t sit for an hour if they aren’t saying
something with style” he sighs. “Scott
[Capurro] has style, Lee Evans has a style –
I’m not sure I like it but at least it’s there –
but so many don’t, or just don’t think it
through” - something which, regardless of
whether you agree with his assessment of
others, Mills does to extremes.
He wears the tie. He gestures – not to
excess, but he certainly uses his hands. His
delivery is eloquent, and most notably,
takes place atop a stool. For this Mills cites
two reasons: the first historical – he used to
do cabaret, he stopped because he couldn’t
think of any successful cabaret stars who
weren’t Dita Von Teese –the second,
stylistic. “It’s more conversational - more
like a couple of chicks sitting round just
talking.” In the show itself he sums it up
beautifully as, “you’re all looking
comfortable, I’m going to get comfortable
too.” There’s a sense of complicity about
the move – the way, leaning forward crosslegged, he lets us in on the joke he’s
making. Nevertheless, while he the stool’s a
leveler, there’s no doubt his sights are set
on higher things.
“David Mills is headed for the big time”
runs the top quote on every sheet of promo
material, and indeed that’s what his
intention clearly is. “Some day I’d love to
play in a massive big arena on a little stool.
Just me, in a spotlight saying ‘Hey’,” he
muses. “It’s very Chuck Brown, who I’ve
been spending a lot of time with on
YouTube.” Catching my blank look, Mills
translates for me: “You know the new
crooner Willie Moon?” I nod. “Well like that
- although when it comes to comedians,
Dave Allen was really the one for sitting
down, in a dapper suit, his whiskey in one
hand.”
An Irish comedian best known for his
missing finger, Allen is a key source of
inspiration to Mills – not for the drink habit
(Mills is on lime and soda) but because he
is so smart. “I distinctly remember
watching him when they showed British
stuff at home” he recalls. “I’m a big fan of
the old school. It’s a good look” – and it is
one he is emulating with success.
That said, however, his homage is skin
deep. Mills style and stature might be “old
school” but his substance is most firmly on
the pulse. He reads the papers. He watches
the news. He treads on toes – gay
marriage, Islam – and makes it funny. He
may not know a word of Cheryl Cole, but
he deploys the latest gossip to hilarious
effect. The show still needs work – “I need
to polish it. And I still haven’t done that gay
marriage joke to a gay audience, which I
should try. I need to try that” he confesses
– but after all: a preview is a preview. Come
Edinburgh you can be sure Mills will rise to
the occasion admirably – although, of
course, he will remain sat down.
25
For more info on the shows named in ScotsGay’s Hot 100 (aka ScotsGay’s Select 3.7%) see SGfringeissue one or visit our website: SGfringe.com
Hot 100
12.50pm. Locked In. Theatre. theSpace@Surgeons Hall/13-25 Aug (not 19).£7-£10. lgbt
1.00pm. Slice by Mel Giedroyc. Theatre. Gilded Balloon Teviot/1-27 Aug (not 13 & 20). £8-£10.
1.15pm. Liz Lochead: Making Nothing Happen. Spoken Word. The Assembly Rooms/2-26 Aug (not 13). £9-£10.
1.20pm. Bowling & Todd +1. Comedy. Cabaret Voltaire/4-25 Aug. FREE.
1.30pm. Bridget Christie: War Donkey. Comedy. The Assembly Rooms/3-26 Aug (not 13). £9-£10.
1.30pm. Kelly Kingham: Goody Two Shoes. Comedy. The Royal Mile Tavern/4-25 Aug. FREE. lgbt
1.35pm. Confessions of Old Lady #2. Cabaret. Paradise in The Vault/14-27 Aug (not 20). FREE.
2.00pm. Crypted. Theatre. C nova/2-26 Aug (not 13). £6.50-£10.50. lgbt
2.00pm. Hannah Gadsby: Mary. Contrary. Comedy. Gilded Balloon Teviot/2-26 Aug (not 6-8, 13-15, & 20-22). £8.50-£10.50. lgbt
2.00pm. Sandi Toksvig Live: My Valentine. Comedy. Pleasance Courtyard/17-23 Aug. £13-£14. lgbt
2.30pm. Contains Spoilers. Dance. Zoo Southside. 3-11 Aug. £10.
2.30pm. Rosie Wilby: How (Not) To Make It In Britpop. Theatre. The Bongo Club/10-14 Aug. £6-£8. lgbt
2.50pm. Other Voices: Alternative Spoken Word Cabaret. Spoken Word. Banshee Labyrinth/4-25 Aug (not 8, 15 & 22). FREE.
3.00pm. Mitch Benn: Reduced Circumstances. Comedy. Stand Comedy Club3/3-26 Aug (not 13). £10.
3.15pm. Marple, Murder & Me. Theatre. Gilded Balloon Teviot/1-26 Aug (not 13 & 20). £8.50-£10.50.
3.20pm. Outward Bound. Theatre. theSpace@Surgeons Hall/2-11 Aug (not 5). £6-£8. lgbt
3.40pm. Sharron Matthews Superstar: Gold. Comedy. Pleasance Courtyard. 1-27Aug (not 6, 13 & 20). £11-£14.
3.45pm. David Mills is Smart Casual. Comedy. The Hive/2-27 Aug. FREE. lgbt
3.45pm. Julius Caesar: Losing Your Head in Egypt. Musical. C Chambers St/15-18 Aug. £7.50-£10.50. lgbt
4.00pm. Constant Craving (Sarah Archer). Comedy. Espionage/3-26 Aug (not 4, 11, 18 & 25). FREE. lgbt
4.00pm. Daniel-Ryan Spaulding: How Dare You! Comedy. The Hudson Hotel/4-25 Aug (not 10 & 11). FREE. lgbt
4.00pm. Mae Day (Mae Martin). Comedy. Just the Tonic at the Caves/2-26 Aug (not 14). £7-£8. lgbt
4.00pm. Sunday Fundraiser. Cabaret. New Town Bar/5, 12, 19 & 26 Aug. FREE. lgbt
4.00pm. Strange Hungers. Theatre. Summerhall/18-19 Aug. £6-£10. lgbt
4.20pm. Boy in a Dress. Theatre. Stand Comedy Club 3/2-26 Aug (not 13). £10. lgbt
4.30pm. The Lady Boys of Bangkok. Cabaret. Meadows Theatre Big Top/4-26 Aug (Sat/Sun). £15-£25. lgbt
4.40pm. Holly Burn: The H Club. Comedy. Just the Tonic at The Caves/2-26 Aug (not 14). £6-£8.
4.40pm. Otto Kuhnle: Ich Bin Ein Berliner. Comedy. Assembly George Square/2-26 Aug (not 14). £7.50-£10.50
4.45pm. The Ginge, the Geordie & the Geek. Comedy. Just the Tonic at The Caves/2-26 Aug (not 14). £8.50-£12.
4.45pm. Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory. Musical. The Assembly Rooms/1-26 Aug (not 14 & 21). £12-£15.
4.50pm. Made For Each Other. Theatre. Bar 50/15-26 Aug. FREE. lgbt
4.50pm. Michelle de Swarte. Comedy. Belushi’s/4-25 Aug (not 15). FREE. lgbt
5.15pm. Lucy Porter: People Person. Comedy. Stand Comedy Club1/3-26 Aug (not 13 & 20). £9-£10.
5.30pm. Hairy Pretty Things. Cabaret. Fingers Piano Bar/4-25 Aug (not 6, 13 & 20). FREE. lgbt
5.35pm. Milo McCabe: Kenny Moon This is Your Life. Comedy. Gilded Balloon Teviot/1-26 Aug (not 13). £7.50-£10.
6.00pm. Desperately Seeking the Exit. Theatre. Edinburgh City Football Club/2-26 (not 13). FREE. lgbt
6.00pm. Flash Mob. Dance. Assembly Hall/2-27 Aug (not 14). £12-£17.50.
6.00pm. Josie Long: Romance & Adventure. Comedy. Pleasance Courtyard/1-27 Aug (not 18 & 19). £10-£12.50.
6.00pm. Susan Calman: This Lady’s Not for Turning Either. Comedy. Underbelly, Bristo Square/1-27 Aug (not 13). £10-£12. lgbt
6.00pm. Suzi Ruffell: Let’s Get Ready to Ruffell. Comedy. Pleasance Courtyard/1-26 Aug (not 13). £8-£11. lgbt
6.05pm. Stewart Lee: Carpet Remnant World. Comedy. The Assembly Rooms/2-26 Aug (not 13 & 20). £12-£15.
6.15pm. Edward Reid: Living the Dream One Song at a Time. Cabaret. Assembly George Square/2-15 Aug. £9.50-£11.50.
6.15pm. Michael Workman: Mercy. Comedy. Gilded Balloon Teviot/1-26 Aug (not 13). £8-£10.
6.25pm. Mr Braithwaite Has a New Boy. Theatre. C Aquila/2-27 Aug (not 13 or 20). £7.50-£11.50. lgbt
6.25pm. Twentysomething. Theatre. Spotlites @ Merchants’ Hall/2-19 Aug. £6-£8. lgbt
6.30pm. Lady Celest: Exploring Down Under! Cabaret. The Street/4-14 Aug. FREE. lgbt
6.30pm. Luke Wright: Your New Favourite Poet. Spoken Word. Underbelly Cowgate/22-26 Aug. £9-£11.
6.30pm. Rookie Mistakes (Ethan Addie). Comedy. The Street/15-25 Aug. FREE. lgbt
6.35pm. Dirty Blood. Theatre. theSpace on North Bridge/3-18 Aug (not 5 & 12). £6-£8. lgbt
6.40pm. Overexposed: A Slightly Awkward Peep Show. Comedy. Fingers Piano Bar/4-18 Aug (not 6, 13 & 14). FREE. lgbt
6.45pm. The Lady Boys of Bangkok. Cabaret. Meadows Theatre Big Top/4-26 Aug. £15-£25. lgbt
7.00pm. Aaron Twitchen: Quarter Life Crisis. Comedy. Southsider/4-25 Aug. FREE. lgbt
7.00pm. Going Green the Wong Way. Theatre/Venue 13. 19-25 Aug. £5-£8. lgbt
7.20pm. Nggrfg. Theatre. theSpace on the Mile/3-18 Aug (not 5 & 12). £5-£7. lgbt
7.30pm. Carl-Einar Häckner. HandLuggage. Comedy. Gilded Balloon Teviot/1-27 Aug (not 13). £8.50-£10.50.
7.30pm. Craig Hill: Jock’s Trap. Comedy. Underbelly Bristo Square/2-27 Aug (not 13 & 20). £11-£14.50. lgbt
7.30pm. DeAnne Smith: Livin’ the Sweet Life. Comedy. Gilded Balloon Teviot/1-27 Aug (not 14). £8-£10. lgbt
7.30pm. Paul Foot: Kenny Larch is Dead. Comedy. Underbelly, Cowgate/2-26 Aug (not 15). £9.50-£12. lgbt
7.35pm. Hi-de-Homo! Musical. C Chambers St/12-18 Aug. £5.50-£11.50. lgbt
7.35pm. Jen Brister: Now & Then. Comedy. Just the Tonic at The Caves/2-26 Aug (not 14). £7-£10. lgbt
7.45pm. An Evening With Samantha. Cabaret. The Street/4-25 Aug (not 8, 14 & 20). FREE. lgbt
7.45pm. The Ginge, the Geordie & the Geek. Comedy. Just the Tonic at The Caves/2-26 Aug (not 14). £8.50-£12.
8.00pm. Andrew Doyle: Whatever it Takes. Comedy. Just the Tonic at the Caves/2-26 Aug (not 14). £6.50-£7.50. lgbt
8.00pm. Bob Downe: Smokin’. Comedy. Gilded Balloon Teviot/1-26 Aug (not 14 & 23). £10.50-£14. lgbt
8.00pm. Lynn Ruth Miller is Approaching 80! Cabaret. Sapphire Rooms/4-25 Aug (not 13 & 20). £5-£7.
8.00pm. Mister Meredith’s Christmas Crack. Cabaret. Le Monde/4-25 Aug (not 13). FREE. lgbt
8.00pm. Friday Fundraiser. Cabaret. New Town Bar/3, 10, 17, 24 Aug. FREE. lgbt
8.05pm. Mickey & Judy. Cabaret. Space Cabaret @ 54/3-25 Aug (not 5, 12 & 19). £8-£10. lgbt
8.05pm. Three Tall Women. Theatre. theSpace@Venue45/4, 6, 8 &10 Aug. £6-£8. lgbt
8.10pm. Hannah Gadsby: Hannah Wants a Wife. Comedy. Gilded Balloon Teviot/1-26 Aug (not 13). £8.50-£10.50. lgbt
8.10pm. Kev Orkian in Concert. The World’s Favourite Foreigner. Comedy. theSpace @ Symposium Hall/13-25 Aug.£8-£10.
8.15pm. Al Pitcher: Tiny Triumphs. Comedy. Guilded Balloon Teviot/1-26 Aug. £8.50-£10.50
8.15pm. Dusty Limits: Post-Mortem. Cabaret. The Counting House/2-19 Aug (not 6 & 13). FREE. lgbt
8.15pm. Jo Caulfield: Thinking Bad Thoughts. Comedy. Stand Comedy Club1/1-26 Aug (not 13). £9-£10.
8.20pm. The News at Kate 2012. Comedy. Ciao Roma/4-25 Aug (not 14). FREE.
8.30pm. Alternative Sex Education. Cabaret. The Bongo Club/3-17 Aug. £6.50-£9.50. lgbt
8.30pm. Loud & Proud Choir. Music. Stockbridge Parish Church/25 Aug. £9-£12. lgbt
8.30pm. Panga. Theatre. Hill Street Theatre/2-26 Aug (not 14). £9-£13.
8.30pm. Simon Amstell: Numb. Comedy. The Bongo Club/20-26 Aug. £15-£16.50. lgbt
8.35pm. Stephen Bailey & Zoe Iqbal: Subject to Change. Comedy. Bar 50/3-12 Aug. FREE. lgbt
8.50pm. EastEnd Cabaret: Notoriously Kinky. Cabaret. Underbelly Cowgate/2-26 Aug (not 13). £9-£11.
9.00pm. Confessions of a Grindr Addict. Theatre. Assembly Hall/2-26 Aug (not 13). £10-£12. lgbt
9.00pm. Jim Jefferies: Fully Functional. Comedy. The Assembly Hall/2-26 Aug (not 13). £15-£17.50.
9.00pm. The Lady Boys of Bangkok. Cabaret. Meadows Theatre Big Top/4-26 Aug. £15-£25. lgbt
9.05pm. Hard Core Pawn, with Mick, Lewis & Shaun. Theatre. theSpace on the Mile/3rd-8th Aug (not 5). £0-£5. lgbt
9.15pm. Stephen K Amos: Work in Progress. Comedy. Stand Comedy Club3/2-25 Aug (not 8, 13, 14, 20, & 21). £10. lgbt
9.30pm. Monstrous Acts. Theatre. C Aquila/2-27 Aug (not 13 & 20). £6.50-£10.50. lgbt
9.30pm. Tenderpits. Theatre. Underbelly Cowgate/2-26 Aug (not 13). £8.50-£10.50. lgbt
10.10pm. Knickerbocker Glory! Cabaret. SpaceCabaret @ 54/3-25 Aug. £8-£10.
10.30pm. Jonny Woo: Wonder Woo-Man. Cabaret. Assembly George Square/1-26 Aug (not 13). £10-£12.50. lgbt
10.30pm. Who’s Your Daddy? Theatre. Assembly Hall/2-26 Aug (not 13). £11-£12. lgbt
10.35pm. Dana Alexander: Breaking Through. Comedy. Underbelly Bristo Square/1-27 Aug (not 13). £8.50-£10.50.
10.45pm. Andrew O’Neill is Easily Distracted. Comedy. Pleasance Courtyard/1-27 Aug (not 8 & 14). £9.50-£12. lgbt
10.45pm. Michael Pope is Gay for Pay. Comedy. The Phoenix/2-26 Aug (not 5, 8, 15, & 22). FREE. lgbt
10.45pm. Splitting the Bill: Michael Workman & Tommy Little. Comedy. Gilded Balloon/4-26 Aug (not 13). £8.50-£10.50.
10.50pm. Magic Faraway Cabaret. Cabaret. The Voodoo Rooms/4-25 Aug (not 13). FREE. lgbt
11.05pm. Strip Search. Theatre. SpaceCabaret@54/3-25 Aug (not 5 & 19). £8-£12. lgbt
11.15pm. Briefs. Cabaret. Underbelly, Bristo Square/1-27 Aug (not 15). £9-£15. lgbt
11.40pm. Scott Agnew: Tales of the Sauna. Comedy. Stand Comedy Club4/2-26 Aug (not 13). £6-£8. lgbt
Midnight. Gay Straight Alliance. Comedy. The Phoenix/19-26 Aug. FREE. lgbt
1pm
2pm
3pm
4pm
5pm
6pm
7pm
8pm
9pm
10pm
11pm
27

ScotsGay Issue 128 - ScotsGay Magazine

Transcription

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