madrid - out! northeast magazine
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madrid - out! northeast magazine
Gay, Lesbian and Out in the North East 15 Issue 15 / April & May / 2009 Tina Turner TRAVEL MADRID Scene Out / Listings / Horoscopes / FREE - Please take one - FREE exchange place, middlesbrough (below the train station) Join your hosts: Tequila Mockingbird, Duchess Davinya, Flick MaBean & Honey Lingus Music from: DJ Michelle mattison, DJ JIGs & DJ JAMES BARR Amazing Drinks Offers: SOURZ - ALL VARIETIES £0.99 | Vodka + Mix £1.50 VK & kronenburg BOTTLES £2 Double Vodka + Mix / VIMTO CAN £2.50 Double Vodka + ENERGY £2.80 Mini Moet £7.50 + More…. More info: www.myspace.com/saturgayuk BECOME A FAN ON Facebook - SEARCH FOR SATUR-GAY More info: www.myspace.com/saturgayuk BECOME A FAN ON Facebook - SEARCH FOR SATUR-GAY 15 NEWS It took 7 more years of suffering and chanting as part of her Buddhist faith, before she finally summoned the strength and took her chance. Icon / Tina Turner The only gay press dedicated to the North East of England. 5. News 8. Health Summit 10. Tina Turner CONTENTS 12 12. LGBT Federation 15. Life Positive 16. Cris McCurley 20. Music 22. Madrid 24. Theatre 26. Community Listings 27. Scene News 10 9 28. Scene Out 34. Horoscopes Scene News and Listings Editor Anita Collins Editorial Assistant Jamie Robinson Michelle Mattisson Sales and Marketing Philip Douglas Design Radim Malinic Office Manager Juliet Clark Contributors Nick Baker Ophelia Balls James Barr Barry Birch Sian Broadhurst Mark Casey Paul Corduex Cris McCurley Lesley Duggan Liz Maddison Steve Pask Miss Trixie 19 24 Published by Editor Simon Hatfield ©Think Pink Limited 2009 All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of Think Pink Limited is strictly forbidden. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine at time of going to press, but we accept no responsibility for omissions or errors. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Think Pink Limited. The inclusion of images of people does not represent their individual sexuality. Out Northeast is published by: Think Pink Limited 72-80 Corporation Road Middlesbrough TS1 2RF T: 01642 220040 F: 01642 337500 W: outnortheast.com E: editorial@outnortheast.com Cover Image Tina Turner Next Issue: 29th May 2009 Free Photography Workshops QUEER UP north competition Two LGBT-inspired plays at arrive at Northern Stage this Spring All LGBT people and their friends are welcome to come along to a series of 3 photography workshops exploring identity with artist Dawn Latimer. Manchester’s Queer Up North 09 (www.queerupnorth.com) is bringing together the best of queer cabaret, music and performance from the UK, Europe and The US from 12 to 25 May. Tough time, nice time /// Wed 8 – Thur 9 April, 8pm You can learn camera techniques and develop skills to create a unique photograph of you or something that represents your identity. This is a unique opportunity to try something new, aimed at breaking down barriers in the Community. All equipment will be provided, just turn up! The workshops are taking place from 7-9pm on Tuesday 21st and 28th of April and Tuesday 5th May at TS1 Gallery, which is opposite the Empire on Corporation Road. Come along and try something new, all ages and abilities are welcome. To book a place email phil@outnortheast.com or call 01642 220040. Send us your news to news@outnortheast.com Out North East has teamed up with Queer Up North, Visit Manchester and The Light (www.thelight.co.uk) - Manchester’s premiere boutique serviced apartments - to give you the chance to win a weekend break to Manchester. We’ve got tickets for two people to see The Young Ladies Of... by Taylor Mac, and My Stories Your Emails by Ursula Martinez, (both at the Library Theatre) on Saturday, 16 May and a serviced apartment for two people at The Light, only a few minutes away from Manchester’s buzzing gay village. To win the prize just tell us; In which war was Taylor Mac’s father fighting when he placed a lonely hearts ad? A: Korean War B: Vietnam War C: Boar War Two naked men sit in a Bangkok spa. Martin is an ex-rentboy drugdealing lawyer that is looking for someone to make a best-seller from his damaged life. Stefan is a callous, bigoted writer and jaded hack. As his insentitive disregard for Martin’s tales of abuse continues, Martin weaves together genocide, movies, money-boys, celebrity, murder, drugs and the art of telling stories until audiences find themselves voyeurs to an absurdish nightmare of depravity. Prior to its run at Manchester’s Queer Up North Festival… The Adventures of Wound Man and Shirley Thurs 7 – Sat 9 May, 8pm Shirley is a teenage boy. He’s a dreamer, a bit of a loner, and a fan of desperately uncool pop music. He’s also hopelessly in love with a boy at school who barely knows he exists. Then, one night, a mysterious figure moves into his ordinary suburban street. Wound Man is an unconventional superhero, who happens to have a vacancy for a teenage side-kick... A funny, moving and adventurous story of two unlikely friends in a bedtime-tale, comic-book, super-hero story about growing up and getting braver. Tickets for each show are £7.50/£5.50 concessions Box Office 0191 230 5151 Book Online www.northernstage.co.uk Answers must be received by midday on Friday, 1 May. Send your answers with your name, address, phone number and email address to: Taylor Mac competition Queer Up North Greenfish Resource Centre 46-50 Oldham Street Manchester M4 1LE Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com 5 NEWS ATTITUDE FREE, 7 DAYS A WEEK Plans for the North East’s biggest gay Pride underway: date announced Record numbers are anticipated at the 2009 Northern Pride festival, which will see Newcastle become a northern Mardi Gras. With an estimated 5000 people expected to attend the Pink Picnic it really will be the place to see and be seen this summer. BlowTheWhistleOnHomophobia’ event on Saturday 16th May at 12 noon After hosting a successful festival in 2008, Northern Pride plans to improve on its fantastic first year, and to this end, are pleased to announce that this year’s main event will be on Saturday 18 July 2009. We have had a sneaky peak at some of the plans and agree with the organisers that 2009 will be even bigger and better than ever before. Northern Pride Chair Tom Gorman told Out North East, “We’re very excited about Northern Pride 2009, after an amazing event last year this will be a bigger and better celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. I look forward to seeing even more people joining us to have fun and enjoy an entertaining, safe and welcoming festival.” We want to ensure that this year’s event is as well advertised as possible, and so we are in the process of redesigning our website, www.northernpride. org.uk, and have relaunched our Facebook group. There are more plans in the pipeline to ensure that this year’s event truly reflects the diversity of the northeast’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities. MEN ONLY MONDAY 13th APRIL FREE ENTRY WITH TICKET (AVAILABLE FROM BAR) £1 ON THE DOOR Other Pride Events to watch out for: Darlington – Monday 10th August, Manchester Pride ‘Big Weekend’ – 28 – 31st August SuperGay Middlesbrough Pride – Saturday 19th September And Hart Gables will be hosting their annual ‘Gaymes’ on 5th September International Day Against Homophobia There are 77 countries in the world today where it is still a criminal offence to be gay. These countries punish women, men and children because of their sexual orientation and in seven countries the punishment is death. Even in countries like the UK where it is not a criminal offence to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender we still face homophobia, transphobia and discrimination. International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) provides a platform for everyone to make a powerful statement to demand improvements for the quality of life for LGBT people both overseas and here in the UK. It can be used to raise awareness of homophobic issues that are negatively impacting on people’s lives and to showcase success stories where a positive change has been achieved. Civil Partnerships Newcastle’s LGBT Issues Network plan to hold their annual ‘Blow The Whistle On Homophobia’ event on Saturday 16th May at 12 noon. The event will be at Monument, Newcastle, with an information stall, music and a speaker who will call on participants to make ‘one minute’s noise’ to demand an end to homophobia. Domestic Violence Telephone Children Everyone can take part: they just need to turn up with bells, whistles, drums and any other noisy method to get people’s attention! Adoption 0191 565 3112 Durham County Council and partners including Gay Advice Darlington/Durham and the Crown Prosecution Service are planning an event too. The date, not yet set will see the newly formed Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel launched alongside speakers from the CPS, Police and the LGBT Community. Finances The date, not set yet, will be announced first on the Gay Advice Darlington/Durham website at: www.gayadvicedarlington.co.uk Civil Partnerships FREE INITIAL Whatever the reason, family breakdown can be a nightmare. Email advice@benhoarebell.co.uk Website www.benhoarebell.co.uk You don’t have to go it alone. We’re on your side , so come and talk. For advice on civil partnerships APPOINTMENTS Send us your news to news@outnortheast.com 6 Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com O FFICES IN N EW CA ST LE & SU N D ERLA N D 8 Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com NEWS all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy 9 NEWS Hot new addition to the North East gay scene A stylish new gay sauna is set to launch in the heart of Newcastle on 1st May providing a fresh addition to the leisure scene for gay and bi-sexual men in the North East. LGBT Health Summit coming to the North East At last its official ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans people do Live, Exist and have Health Needs to be met in the North East.’ The North East has been selected to host the 4th LGBT Health Summit. This is a national event that will take place on 6th and 7th October 2009 at the Hilton Hotel, on the banks of the river Tyne. It will provide an opportunity to promote Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans issues and showcase what’s going on in the North East. Around 350 delegates from across the UK will attend, representing health service providers; activists form the LGBT community, the voluntary sector, trade unions, academics, NHS commissioners and others. Barry Birch Chief Executive Gay Advice Darlington / Durham Previous summits were held in London, Manchester and Bristol and looked at a variety of topics including: LGBT Health Inequalities; Homophobic & Transphobic Hate Crime; Same Sex Domestic Abuse; Drug an Alcohol Use; Transsexual Post Operative Care; HIV issues for Gay & Bi Men in the Black and Minority Ethnic Communities; Lesbian Health Needs; Bisexuals the Hidden Community; Living with HIV; Discrimination by Omission; Mental Health & Wellbeing in the LGBT Community; Supporting LGBT people in the Workplace; LGB people’s Health & Chronic Illness; Homophobia in Healthcare Settings; and LGBT Youth Issues. As you can see from this brief list of direct and indirect health related issues the summit is a fantastic opportunity to view difficulties, promote good practice and gather the evidence to change our health and social care system for the better. The delegates at this summit will need to relax on the Tuesday night as ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!’ So look out for the summit social events and let’s give a fabulous North East welcome to these hardworking delegates from across the UK. A Steering Group has been formed and includes representatives of NHS North East, Unison, Royal College of Nurses, Gay Advice Darlington / Durham, MESMAC, Number 52 is will provide a perfect setting to unwind, relax and meet others in inviting, discreet and modern surroundings. STAG, Hart Gables, NHS Staff Network, Equality North East, and others both national and regional. The Steering Group is at the early stages of setting out the theme for the conference and will be responsible for the selection of key note speakers, presentations and workshops among other things. If you would like to be kept informed please send an email to staffnetwork@northeast.nhs. uk and you will be added to the mailing list. The newly refurbished building features brand new, high quality facilities including a 10 seater sauna, a contemporary 14 seater steam room, a luxurious 7 seater hydrotherapy pool, several restrooms and a private courtyard and smoking area. Pinchinthorpe Hall Picture Perfect Imagine you’re perfect Civil Partnership, a historic country manor house, acres of beautiful gardens surrounded by magical woodlands and nestling in one of the country’s finest National Parks. Now you don’t have to, as you have found Pinchinthorpe. over 100 weddings a year. ‘In our time here we have hosted a lot of functions, so we know exactly what makes a great Celebration and how important every detail is to ensuring the two partners being brought together and their guests enjoy an experience to treasure’ George told us. Pinchinthorpe Hall dates back to the 12th Century and to the Norman family of Pinchun, today’s Hall looks very different after being bought and converted in 1996 by George Tinsley and Partner John. To date they have hosted over 85 Civil Partnerships, and host Despite the beautiful house and gardens, what gets most people talking at Pinchinthorpe is their food and their commitment to local produce, most of which is home grown. They have their own, rare breed Dexter Cows, as well as Sheep and Chickens so The attractive and welcoming venue, spread across three floors with privacy in mind, also features a comfortable relaxation lounge and all our private rest rooms are fully equipped with their own TVs. Number 52 boasts a licensed guests can be rest assured their food is as fresh as it can be. The hall is split into several intimate rooms; any combination of the three main reception rooms can be used including The Garden Room, Morning Room and Marble Room, and with their own Marquee Pinchinthorpe can cater for up to 250 guests. There are 6 individually designed suites for those lucky enough to stay! George is quick to point out that Pinchinthorpe can cater for all budgets, ‘People are often put off by thoughts of huge bills, but in fact a ceremony and reception café offering a delicious range of snacks and drinks, wireless internet access (WiFi) and a large cinema room with a 50” plasma. Owner Paul Ward says visitors to the new venue won’t be disappointed by the chic interiors or friendly atmosphere: “We see Number 52 as a refreshing new addition to Newcastle’s gay scene. Every aspect of the interior has been meticulously planned with quality in mind to create a stylish and warm environment, ideal for relaxing and socialising. Number 52 will be right next to the Eagle on Scotswood Road, so no long walks in the dead of night, just a short walk down from the Powerhouse, or you can simply fall out the Eagle and into Number 52. For further information about Number 52 call 0191 2212189 or visit the new website www. number52sauna.co.uk here can be very reasonable. I would recommend anybody considering a Civil Partnership gets in touch with us and discusses their requirements, we can cater for any pocket!’ If you would like to discuss holding your Civil Ceremony or in fact any event at Pinchinthorpe, be it a Birthday, Christening, Engagement you can call Pinchinthorpe Hall on 01287 630200. Send us your news to news@outnortheast.com News – Reviews – Listings – Photos - Downloads + More… www.outnortheast.com Tina The hits came and went for Ike and Tina throughout the 60s and 70s but one thing that remained constant was Tina’s live persona on-stage, which was the fuel that powered the fast and furious Ike and Tina Turner Review. Touring for 90 days at a time and performing for 88 – 89 of those days on gruelling one-nighter’s across America and later Europe for nearly two decades gave Tina the stamina she would need twenty years later when at the age of 43 in 1981 she was noticed by Roger Davies – her manager to this day – when the work really began to realise her dreams of solo stardom. Turner Born, 26th November 1939, Anna-Mae Bullock has become one of the most recognisable stars of the music industry. A household name around the world for over 30 years and a legendary performer for more than 50, she recently celebrated her 69th birthday touring on a global scale. With trademark mountainous blonde wig, high heels and hem-lines that are even higher, she is touring the UK and Europe throughout April and May with a series of 2 hour live shows and there are no signs of her slowing down. Ladies and gentleman: presenting the ultimate gay icon - Miss Tina Turner! Maracana Stadium, Rio De Janero 1988. Tina Turner breaks the world record for the biggest paying crowd ever assembled with 186,000 fans packing the venue to see her perform as only she can. She is a long way from her first live performances in George Edick’s club in St Louis, when a skinny country girl fresh out of high school finally got her chance to get up on stage and let her musical idol Ike Turner hear her sing. Initially Ike had dismissed the gawky Anna-Mae in favour of the more grown-up city girls – after-all he had a reputation to uphold. But eventually he let ‘Little-Ann’ - as she was later dubbed – up to sing songs with him. After being blown away by her performance and the crowd’s reaction to it, he immediately signed her up as a backing singer for his band The Kings Of Rhythm. By 1960, Little-Ann had become Tina Turner to coincide with the release of her first single, the R&B smash A Fool In Love. She had also by this point become pregnant with by Ike and stumbled into a relationship with him. She had had her first taste of the domestic violence that would come to define the next 17 years of her life. In 1969 Ike’s abuse and serial womanising got too much for Tina and in the dressing room before a show she swallowed a quantity of pills to take her own life. When she came-to in the hospital with Ike yelling at her ordering her not to die her first words were ‘I just want to leave’. But the time wasn’t right. It took 7 more years of suffering and chanting as part of her Buddhist faith, before she finally summoned the strength and took her chance. With her 4 children now grown-up and the way clear to leave without guilt, she seized her moment in Fort Worth, Texas July 3rd 1976. With no money and nowhere to go she escaped and it was then that the hard work really started. Recently she reflected with Oprah Winfrey in front of millions that she called the following years Tina’s operation oops! As she learned for the first time how to survive in the music business and in life, by trial and error after emerging from under the control of Ike. Sued by promoters for not appearing after her escape and dogged by Ike and his supporters at every turn, Tina found work on the hotel circuit in Las Vegas using the stage name Tina Turner which she had won the rights to in her 1977 divorce case. From there she rebuilt her reputation and integrity and worked to pay for her debts, cleaning for friends as a maid after the show and loving every moment of her new found freedom. By the late 1980s with hit singles, albums and world tours a regular part of the life, she took time to settle with her German boyfriend Erwin Bach in Europe a place she always knew she would live-in. Now resident in Switzerland and France, Tina recently celebrated 23 years of happiness with the man she simply calls her ‘love’. After 50 years and millions of miles, Tina reigns supreme as the iconic live performer. Imitated but never bettered. Recognisable yet always fresh, her presence is truly memorable. And as Beyonce Knowles said: ‘get on your feet, for the Queen! Tina Turner’ It took 7 more years of suffering and chanting as part of her Buddhist faith, before she finally summoned the strength and took her chance. ICONS – Out Northeast Icons. Words - Paul Corduex 10 Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com 11 Contact us at: lgbtfed@googlemail.com The Ultimate Ball Friday 13th turned out very lucky for some fabulously dressed people from the LGBT community in and around the North East. Urban Café at Dance City in the centre of Newcastle helped host a wonderful evening of music and dancing for us and our friends. The LGBT Federation volunteers and organisers put on the event in response to lots of requests for more social events that bring together all ages in a safe and relaxing environment but with a view to developing a closer, more collaborative feel to our regional community. To help us feel a sense of occasion and celebration for who we are as individuals - all striving for a fairer and more equal lifestyle - the theme was “Dress to Impress.” Suits, Frocks, mixed and matched, elaborate hats and bow ties everywhere, even a Kilt, and the band definitely managed to ‘Swing the mood’ from the outset with some good old fashioned cheek to cheek dancing. The dancing continued all evening with Pat Fisher desperately trying to be heard giving out step by step instructions to her happy troop of dancers. There was something for everyone though, the younger set all had a great time with some more popular tunes from Killers, Cold Play, Pink and Katy Perry; but what was best of all for me was that the older generation were out in force showing the rest how to enjoy life to the full. Smiling faces were everywhere all night and well into the next day by all accounts. The follow up responses were great. The Ultimate, Intimate ball incorporated a consultation element too which was organised and managed by Helen Whittaker. Lots of useful information was gathered to feedback for the purposes of meeting the Federation’s continuing aims and objectives. You know what? I just want to do it all again! Line Dancing Classes! If you have been caught by the dancing bug, Steve Paske is offering line dancing classes at Chillingham Road School in Heaton every Wednesday night 7-9pm. Coming Soon…. LBi Coalition social evening at Nancy Bordello’s 13 Argyle Street Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 6PF 3rd April 7.30 -11.30 £2/3 on the door DJ, Team Quiz and food. Friends welcome (You will find us upstairs!) To reserve a ticket or to find out more, email us at Lbi.coalition@gmail.com Liz Maddison news@outnortheast.com 12 Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com READ Steve Pask Our Health Editor I did consider writing a couple of books myself and reviewing them, but I didn’t want to overdose you with brilliance. It’s bad for the nerves. Besides, typing ruins nail varnish... I’ve been told! So here is this issue’s choice selection… Never The Bride, Paul Magrs. Headline, 2006. Silence, Josie Henley-Einion. Legend Press, 2008. Deep isn’t it? Just like the review’s second gay-penned book – Silence. the third title in the ‘Brenda and Effie’ series of novels set in Whitby. Never The Bride was the first of these and has the enthusiasm and pace that sets ‘firsts’ apart. I did consider writing a couple of books myself and reviewing them, but I didn’t want to overdose you with brilliance. It’s bad for the nerves. Besides, typing ruins nail varnish... I’ve been told! So here is this issue’s choice selection… Prepare to be spoilt rotten. I know, I know, reading my beautifully crafted prose and hilarious commentary is spoiling you enough, but this issue is different. I have not one, but two gay authors for you… two tomes which couldn’t better reflect the diversity of gay writing in the twenty-first century if they tried. Brenda is an elderly B&B owner who lives next door to Effie, an aging shop owner. Sounds boring, doesn’t it? Magrs doesn’t disappoint however, Brenda turns-out to be the bride of Frankenstein’s monster (I’m not joking), Effie is the keeper of dark secrets of sorcery and magic. So alive is Magrs writing the story is totally believable and genuinely funny. At one point, Brenda battles to protect her identity with Dracula dating Effie, a family of aliens living in the B&B and a gay elf from the Christmas Hotel leader her into murder mysteries galore. Oh and the cast of a psychic investigation TV show (very similar to Most Haunted, though this is probably a coincidence…) wandering around sniffing-out ghouls. This book is a brilliant start to what I hope will develop into a long series of novels. Funny, charming and carefully observed, Whitby and fantasy come alive in 280 pages of escapist pleasure. 5/5. The first is Never The Bride by Paul Magrs - you may remember him from the Tea Party at Middlesbrough Central Library during 2008’s Supergay Weekender, where he read from 14 Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com My first lesbian read and quite a surprise. In no way did I expect to find in Jackie (Jack) Harris a soulmate, who shared my feelings and thought the way I do. I couldn’t have guessed that this first novel by Henley-Einion would strike such a chord with me. Are you ready for a bit of a shock? I’m a gay man. You can’t tell, I know, but I am. Underneath the pretty hair, the lisping voice and the killer dance routines, I am actually gay. I fancy men – a lot. But I digress. My point is that as a gay man, I tend not to read lesbian fiction and I dare say the same is true of my fellow fairies. Why is this? Like a straight bloke about to watch Brokeback Mountain, are we peeping through our fingers waiting for the inevitable gruesome sex scene involving lady areas? Well possibly, but if that is true then we need to get over it. Could it actually be that for a gay man, Lesbianism is that last taboo? Do we habitually avoid the nitty-gritty of women only relationships because as men we are ultimately not needed? It’s not the subject matter – an ex-drag king kills her lover’s rapist in self-defence and then uses the book to look back through her life – but the vivid recollection by the author through the lead character of being an outsider and the realisation that your peers know you are different before you do yourself. Of those awkward steps into gay adulthood and the acceptance of who and what you are and of the uniquely universal problem of being the alone in the world with this problem. Henley-Einion graduated from an MA Creative Writing course, the book Silence is a result of that experience and it shows. The prose is vibrant and real, there is energy and delicacy in the description and there are experiments evident in the layout and characterisation which all addup to an excellent read. 5/5 Book Reviews by Paul Cordeux But I could choose, and I decided that I was not going to let the virus win again. No-one knows what the future holds, but for the time being I’ve woken myself up to the fact that stress is a normal part of everyday life, and it’s not actually the HIV which is causing the stress or the tiredness. Instead of giving up I’ve started trying to make changes, changes in the way I think about work, changes in the way I behave at work, changes that nearly all of us could benefit from, virus or no virus. I’m starting to sleep better, I’m much happier at work, and most important of all, I feel a whole better about myself than I would have done if I had given up. LIFE POSITIVE Side Effects Last month I almost gave up. On top of the post-Christmas flat season, the cold, the snow, the lack of daylight, I’d been having a really hard time at work and the stress had given me problems sleeping. In a previous article I’ve written a bit about some of the side effects of the HIV treatments drugs. Sleep deprivation is one of the more common ones. Feeling really tired because you’ve had a bad night or two is something many people have experienced. Night after night of struggling with sleep for years on end is more unusual. I seem to go through phases, sleep is never guaranteed, but the slightest increase in stress levels and I just lay awake hour after hour. Of course, this just increases the stress even more, as you start thinking ‘I’m not going to be able to get up for work tomorrow, I’m going to be far too tired….’ One thing about living with HIV is that you do have a kind of ‘get out of jail free’ card. When I was at my lowest ebb, after yet another highly stressed day at work a few weeks back, I thought ‘I don’t have to put up with this, I could just go off sick.’ After all, I’m lucky enough to be in a job that pays pretty good sick pay, and after 6 months on the sick I could automatically get early retirement and pick up my pension. It seemed all too easy. I even got as far as discussing it with my partner, and with colleagues at work. Then I thought about some of the things I’ve written in articles in this magazine, and some of the things I say when I’m talking to people about what it’s like living with HIV. I’m usually the one who is pretty upbeat about it all, I’ve gone on about how much I enjoy the job I do, how much I like feeling that I’m in control of my life not the virus. And I thought, ‘am I just going to give up and let HIV take over my life again?’ virus or no virus. I’m starting to sleep better, I’m much happier at work, and most important of all, I feel a whole better about myself than I would have done if I had given up. Now don’t get me wrong, not everyone who is HIV positive is lucky enough to be able to make those sort of choices. For many of them the virus or the treatments make them much sicker than I am. Many are either not in work, in low-paid jobs without good sickness benefits, or in jobs without pensions. For them there are no easy options. Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com 15 Cris McCurley, Partner, Ben Haore Bell Solicitors OPINION Hurrah! There is all sorts of new Law popping up at the moment to bring a smile to the face of any outlaw in the UK. Two such are worth a mention here. On 6 April 2009 we will have the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 coming onto statute books. This updates the earlier Act of 1990 in several important ways: Under the Act, a new legal role is created for the female partner of a birth mother in circumstances making her position the same as the male husband or partner of a mother who had undergone fertility treatment. As long as the mother’s partner be it man or woman, agrees to be named as parent, then their name will be added to the birth certificate as the second parent. The second parent, for obvious reasons, must give written consent to this as it is a major step. The Act also makes provision for a child born after a surrogacy arrangement, be they same sex or opposite sex couples, they will be the parents nonetheless. 16 This in many ways is a landmark piece of legislation. I can recall, as I am sure many others will, that when the 1990 HFEA came in, clinics were at liberty to refuse to treat single women or same sex couples, and indeed anecdotally I am told that the Centre for Life in Newcastle refused to treat same sex couples. This will not be permissible under the new legislation. This may come as news to Caroline Harris and Julie McMillian who threatened to sue Glasgow and Clyde NHS for its refusal to grant them fertility treatment. The board had stipulated that the two women did not “fit the definition of an infertile couple” and that IVF is only given when a couple cannot conceive because one partner is infertile. Obviously this constitutes discrimination. In a typically sympathetic article in the Daily Mail, Graham Grant (27/02/2009) mourned the fate of “many heterosexual couples (who) are languishing on lengthy waiting lists for the treatment.” What does that mean? Oh, he means that they are more worthy…. The Act is intended to address the very serious threat of real and threatened violence to lesbians and gay men for no other reason than their sexuality. “prosecutions for homophobic hate crimes increased by 168% in the last 2 years.” A word of caution however, agreeing to be a parent means just that. I don’t suppose for one moment that many couples will rush into it without thinking, but should the relationship break down, the non-biological parent should be aware that she will be just as liable for child support as any birth parent. Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com The second piece of legislation to mention is the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008. This introduced the completely new criminal offence of “incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation.” We all have a lot to be grateful to Stonewall for this. They campaigned long and hard for this to be included in the Act. Any of us who go to football matches on a regular basis will be familiar with the revolting anti-gay chanting that goes on against some players. Sadly the Act is not intended to cover what it deemed “jokes”, or “playground banter.” That is a pity, because campaigns such as Kick Homophobia out of Football could seriously do with a boost, but nonetheless it is a huge step in the right direction. The Act is intended to address the very serious threat of real and threatened violence to lesbians and gay men for no other reason than their sexuality. The Crown Prosecution Service, according to Stonewall, have recently confirmed that “prosecutions for homophobic hate crimes increased by 168% in the last 2 years.” What the laws will cover are any incitement to violence, including those contained in song lyric form, meaning that it will be illegal to publish or sell the offensive kind of hardcore rap music that often features horrifically anti-gay lyrics. This is indeed a start. The government also take the way in that the House of Lords were able to push through an amendment to the Act later in the day adding a defence of “a genuine religious conviction.” This really is short sighted because it means that those who seek to misquote Islamic scripture/ the Koran or the bible to their own ends will be able to use this defence, even presumably to the extent that some extremist Muslim leaders promote Jihad or Holy War against gays and lesbians. Obviously this is all to be tested out in the Court and hopefully good sense will prevail and the defence will not succeed. Hands up who is sick of hearing the phrase “its political correctness gone mad.”? I personally think it should be banned. Frightened right wingers of all colour and religious persuasion have been braying it like a mantra following the government’s decision that it is ok to tell school kids that it is ok to be gay. I ask you! All we are talking about is a few books about alternative families and people are going crackers and pulling their kids out of lessons. One man (interviewed in the Daily Mail) describing himself as a 41 year old accountant said “Christians and Muslim parents objected.” and “we as parents did not receive any guidance that this was going to happen…. I don’t want my children learning about this. I wrote a letter to the chairman of the governors explaining I would be taking my children out of school.” He went on to say that he is now faced with Court action, and rightly so. What are these people so afraid of? Personally I think intolerance and bigotry is far more frightening than the open portrayal of a loving family: but then that’s just me. Hands up who is sick of hearing the phrase “its political correctness gone mad.”? I personally think it should be banned. And speaking of loving families, it seems that our favourite Palin, Bristols Palin and her fiancé, Levi, have separated. Frankly I’m devastated…and so shocked. I never saw that coming, what with them being the very model of strong loving heterosexual parenthood, and all…..What will they teach in schools, now? Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com 17 What has been your most memorable sexual experience? It must be when i discovered I liked things up my bum! I was so shocked after all I am str8 but I was willing to try certain things for English Lads and was happy to experiment a little. 19 PROFILE English Lads – Model Profile Name: James Nichols Profile here - http://www. englishlads.com/model-jamesnichols Stats: 5’8”/42”/30”/Straight/8” How old are you? 23 Where are you from? Well I have lived in London for years, though I was born in South Africa How big is your dick? 8 inches just over 20cms How long have you been in the adult industry? 4 years How did you get your start? I answered an ad for “male models wanted” and a few days later agreed to meet Nick the photographer. At this stage I didn’t realise about adult modelling and my girlfriend was with me at the initial meet. He explained what was involved and showed us a typical shoot from his website. The second we got outside my girlfriend told me I was not to do anything like that, ever! Well, unfortunately the idea turned me on, so when we broke up some six months later I was straight on the phone... and look what happened! What is your biggest fantasy? Having sex with my current girlfriend, doing her from behind and having her twin do me with a strap on from behind! Who has been your favourite model to work with? It has to be Kev Adamson, he is also the second cameraman at Englishlads.com and does some shoots with models, he is by far the most sensitive and has me writhing round the bed! Just check out my latest video to see what I mean! What model would you like to work with? Well I guess it should be Scott Stone as he keeps knocking me off the “members favourite lad” so might be a good idea to get with him for a shoot and we can share top spot! English Lads Model Profile Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com LISTEN You can hear James Barr across the North East on Galaxy, on FM, DAB and online, weekdays 4pm –7pm and Sunday night on the Galaxy Network from 7pm - 10pm For more info log on to www.galaxynortheast.com/james I know nothing about Global Warming but the name tends to suggest ‘warming’? We’ve just had the coldest winter for 17 years... With that in mind, lets hope the whole ‘colder winters / hotter summers’ craic is bang on so we can grab our Lady GaGa sized sunglasses and pout. Summers just months away, and here’s the soundtrack that’s gonna take us there… Calvin Harris Im Not Alone Girls Aloud Untouchable This has to be one of those ‘Faithless - Insomnia’ type songs that will pass the test of time. It opens by lulling you into a false sense of security and is actually quite dull, then It throws you into a full on glow stick trance fest. “Delete everything in your iTunes and set fire to any CDs, records and tapes: there is only one song you will need between now and the end of 2009…” is how Popjustice describe this record and I cant put it any better than that which is why I’ve done a ‘Ctrl, V’. All hail / bum Calvin Harris. Im not alone is fucking brilliant. If you have a history of heart problems this song is not recommended, the breakdown + build in the full club mix is like no other build in the history of builds. You will need to hold onto something. Jazmine Sullivan Dream Big Jazmine is Missy Elliots protégé so you know she’s got some class. Dream Big is very ‘Disney’, it’s about her aspirations to make something of her life and get her happy ending. Its well feel good, but at only 2 minutes long it’s nowhere near long enough. You’ll have this on repeat. Its proper cute. DJ Top 10 JIGs a Middlesbrough Born n Bred DJ can be found (as well as on Fitlads!) every Saturday at SATUR-GAY, on a Sunday doing ‘Cherry Pop’ at The Oak in Middlesbrough. Also Guest DJs at Gaylicious in Darlington. Freemasons Feat. Sophie Ellis Bexter Heartbreak Make Me A Dancer This song describes real ‘grade a’ love to absolute perfection... “Sometimes we’re standing in the dark, but you light up everywhere I go”. It could almost bring a tear to the eye, especially as the radio edit isn’t nearly as amazing as the original 7 minute album version… Beyonce - halo (dave aude mix) Ali Payami vs Warp Brothers - Blade Jenny Jones - Dont walk away (ali payami mix) Gloden Girls - Kinetic (ATFC Remix) Asha - Ball & Chain (Eddie Armani Remix) Kings of Leon - Use somebody (christian luke mix) delacy & marco gee - Bodyswerve (pagano vocal mix) killers - Spaceman (Bimbo Jones mix) Artist unknown - Wiggle it (Nicola Fasano South Beach Dub) Kelly Llorenna - Dress you up (Club mix) Music Reviews James Barr 20 Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com If you’re looking at this, who else is?’ Spread your word with Out North East Magazine Call us now to discuss a solution to your business needs Gay, Lesbian and Out in the North East 01642 220040 TRAVEL The scene is lively and welcoming, packed tight into the old quarter of the city where it caters for those wanting civilised cocktails - to sex bars and endless dark rooms. MADRID Touching down at Madrid’s Barajas airport I almost felt like a man embarking on an affair. Now, I wasn’t going to meet a dodgy waiter named Carlos or Pedro for a weekend of lust, instead I was straying away from my beloved Barcelona and visiting its rival city, Spain’s capital Madrid. The first thing to hit me on my arrival was the heat. Barcelona through its sea location has always got a pleasant light breeze, but Madrid being in the centre of Spain welcomes the new visitor with the most intense heat you can experience anywhere in Europe. I was booked into the Gay Hostal Puerta del la Sol, which was directly in the centre of the city’s main Plaza. After fighting through endless crowds with suitcase behind me and taking nearly 30 minutes to identify which building my hotel was in, I was eventually able to check into what was to be a very friendly and cosy hotel. The location of the Hotel is not ideal if you are looking for a quiet stay (with the Plaze being the meeting place in Madrid), but it does mean that the underground is on your doorstep and you can walk pretty much to all the key touristy sites if you wish. I decided that my first taste of Madrid was going to be the Royal Palace (Palacio Real de Madrid). Now I have never had much interest in seeing such sites, but I had been informed that this was a must see and the palace did not disappoint. The place was enormous and surprisingly not that busy. Following strict tourist code I wore a headset which took me from room to room in perfect English. After a while I have to admit I was totally lost which bit of info fitted with which room, but that no longer mattered. What had caught my attention was how each room just got grander and grander, reflecting the endless wealth and taste of past kings and queens. I could have happily moved in, but there was already one queen living there, no room for another! That night I was lucky enough to meet up with a friend who showed me around the gay scene of Madrid that is named the ‘Chueca’. The scene is lively and welcoming, packed tight into the old quarter of the city where it caters for those wanting civilised cocktails - to sex bars and endless dark rooms. Unlike many scenes it also had a very visible and well catered for lesbian community too. As with much of Spain many people do not go out to eat until very late, 10pm is quite normal, with the bars and clubs being open to very/early into the morning. Waking the following day with an horrific hangover a cooked Spanish breakfast with coffee was a must, found just a side street away from the hotel. Working its magic I was soon ready to revert back to cultured tourist, rather than scene queen and headed off to the museum and gallery district of the city for some serious culture. Madrid is home to some fantastic museums and galleries, such as the Museo del Prado, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza and Museo Nacional Centre de Arte Reina Sofia, all located feet from each other in the ‘golden triangle’. Around the ‘golden triangle’ there are lots of bars and restaurants, but if you just head a block or two away you can taste real Spanish ‘menu del dia’ with its three courses and wine for just a few Euros, perfect. At the end of my trip, I have to admit my heart still belonged to Barcelona, but Madrid definitely has its own buzz and larger than life night life which makes any visitor welcome and wishing to return for more. Getting there: KLM has flights (via Amsterdam) from both Newcastle and Durham Tees. Mark Casey Travel - Madrid 22 Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com 23 THEATRE Howdy all, Happy Mothers day and Happy easter etc...(I discovered low fat chocolate.. ugh..) anyway as always please find just a small selection of what I think would be worth spending ya spare cash on, to go and see when these glorious shows and concerts are running. Sunderland Empire ,see Joseph and his gay coat ...again ,this time with Craig Chalmers ,one of the most popular finalists in series a while back, 4th - 9th May, Then from 12th -16th May ,one of my fav’s “Singin In The Rain” with Tim Flavin.. Thinking ahead for the Empire Jane Mcdonald 8th November, and “TheSound Of Music” with Connie Fisher November/December too. Thinking ahead to Metro Radio Arena “Mamamia The Musical” 12 Dec- 10th Jan ,perfect xmas pressies for mams, nana, aunty etc, from £15, soo much to talk about BUT, Girls Aloud ,Pink (2nd Nov extra show.) and Beyonce WOW.... The Sage Gateshead, one night worth mentioning is “Sandra Bernhard” Without You Im Nothing , Sat 6th June. Sandra unashamedly says what we all think of saying... She started out on the comedy circuit in the 70’s, she’s funny,but foxy,super smart and slightly mad Bless, they’ve shared it to get a crowd in...lol, I did like Leon tho.. Darlintons Civic Theatre has Cole Porter’s classic sailing into town “Anything Goes” 22nd April -2nd May Tickets @ £10 This is a production by Darlington Operatic Society. get help from Ophelia Balls, Theatre Editor TRIXIE Hi everyone it’s that time again were I try to help with your problems and give you some advise. Summer is just around the corner thank god and we can get out there and see all those sexy men (and women) on the beach mmmmmmmmmm I just can’t wait. Newcastle Theatre Royal 14th18th April “Jolson” with Allan Stewart and Think ahead for “Evita Tour” in June.. Plus Plus Plus. Starting in May at The London Palladium “Sister Act The Musical “ taking the lead will be Patina Miller and the role of Mother Superior, Sheila Hancock. , This along side Priscilla will be the show to see in the West End this year,so dont put off ,cheap rail and cheap accomodation is nearly always on offer. Whatever you go and see ,enjoy it You cant beat a bit of theatre. Till next time take care Ophelia B Balls Mansions. City Hall Newcastle Thinking ahead to “Michaell Ball” 2nd Oct. and Leon Jackson (x factor ) 6th June and “Same Difference” Awww Q Dear Trixie I have been wanting to write to you for some time and at last I have been brave enough I want to become a drag queen and I’m to scared to come and talk to you about it when I see you in the pubs and clubs working. How can I get started and what do I have to do. I have always wanted to do drag as a job and go to every show I can and have seen lots of different drag queens all over the country. I would be grateful for any help or advise you could give me. I just don’t know were to start. A Well being a drag queen is one of them jobs were you can do it or you can’t, there is no middle road. Sadly there is no collage were you can go and learn the job. I’m sure it’s in your blood or its not. I am a bit worried that you were to shy to come and talk to me about it at one of my shows as one of the key parts of the job is you have to be VERY out going and being shy and drag don’t go together. I’ve been doing drag for 22 years and I have loved every day of it I can not think of any other job I would want to do. Some people think it’s just party and fun but it really is hard work. People just see the show and think that’s all there is to it. They forget the long drives up and down the country, the rigging up and down of the sound system and sometimes the job can be very lonely. Saying all this I would never change my job for the world. I love to try and make people laugh and if I get one person saying they have enjoyed there night then I have done my job. Next time you come and see one of my shows come and chat to me after the show and I will try and help you as much as I can. I’m not going to be around forever and we always need new younger kids on the block. Hope to speak soon. Love Trixie. ? Q I am 42 and just come out as a gay man. I was married for 13yrs and in the end I told the woman that I still love that I can’t live my life a lie anymore. It’s been a very hard time the last 6months for me and my wife but I just had to be honest with her and myself. I have come to terms with the fact that I am a gay man and I’m very happy. My one problem is that I just can’t seem to find a man to share my life with. I don’t want to get drunk and take drugs and sleep around with different men. I don’t know if it’s just me or is this what happens on the gay scene? I want to find a nice guy and settle down. I’m not getting any younger have I left it to late to find true love and be the person that I have longed to be all my life? A I must say first well done for being honest with yourself some people live there whole life a lie and are never happy. Sadly I’ve been working and living on the gay scene all my adult life and I am ashamed to admit you may be right about how life looks on the gay scene. Yes there are lots of drink drugs and sex, but there are people out there that don’t want to spend all there life on a none stop party. I am nearly 42 and I don’t want to party 24/7 anymore so there must be other gay men that want to settle down and be happy with that special person. If there is anyone reading this that is around our ages then you have got to middle aged men looking for love. If anyone writes in I will pass on the post to you after I’ve kept one for myself lol. Good luck Miss Trixie, Agony Aunt Q Trixie I have been with my girlfriend for just over a year now and I’m very much in love and very happy. There is just one problem that is my girlfriend’s parents don’t know she is gay and it is starting to affect our life together. She also won’t tell her friends we are together. We share a one bedroom flat together and every time her Mam comes to visit she makes up the bed settee in the lounge and pretends that we are flat mates. It breaks my heart and I can’t stand it anymore. What can I do? A I have to tell you what I would do as that is what you have asked me to tell you. I wouldn’t put up with it for one more day. If my partner was living with me and then pretends just to be my flat mate it would break my heart to. You need to sort this out with your partner NOW. You can never be happy with this girl and build a life together if the outside world thinks you are just flat mates I wish you luck. Be strong and try to let your partner know how much this is hurting you. That’s all I’ve got room for this issue. I hope you enjoyed reading my page. Keep them problems coming in. you can always contact me at trixietreat@hotmail.com I’m always here to help were ever I can. Until the next issue. Be safe be happy and be nice to each other. Love always TRIXIE Send us your questions to trixie@outnortheast.com 24 Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com 25 COMMUNITY 26 LISTINGS Sponsor our listings - call 01642 220040 A-Z of Information, Support & Groups Berwick Community Support Group Monthly social group 07980 260 345 G.A.P 16 – 19yr olds discussions, socials & trips out Meets weekly 0191 233 1333 Body Positive NE Drugs Outreach, counselling, welfare benefits, HIV/AIDS support 0191 232 2855 Gender Trust Info & counselling for TS 0700 0790 347 Cross + Roads GID Support & social events for TS & inter-sexed people on a gender re-assignment program. 0191 295 5313 Derwentside LGB Group Monthly social meetings 07887 463 52? Durham Young Mens Group Weekly support and socials for gay/bi men under 25 www.dygmg.org.uk 0191 383 1414 Dykehikes Walking groups www.dykehikes.org.uk 0191 261 2277 Gay Men Tyneside Social group for gay/bi men 20yrs+ 0191 233 1333 Gay Advice Darlington/Durham Info, Support, Advice, varied social groups, Helpline, HIV/AIDS positive living support. TV/TS Support 01325 355551 www.gayadvicedarlington.co.uk Get Real Weekly LGBT social groups South Tyneside Tony on 0191 4835606 Dave on 0191 4162324 Dave at lgbtsouthtyneside@yahoo.co.uk Hart Gables Advice, support, Social groups, trips for LGBT people 0142 923 6790 www.hartgables.org.uk Lbi Northeast Support for Lesbian & Bisexual women’s groups 0191 277 2045 LBWN Develops & Support to lesbian & bisexual womens groups 0164 280 3607 www.lbwn.co.uk L-Birds @ Hart Gables Lesbian & bi women Fortnightly meetings. Joanne 0142 923 6790 Lesbian Line Info, advice, referrals 0191 261 2277 Metropolitan Community Church Run for & by Gay men & lesbians @ St.James United Reform Church Call 07770543407 for further details. Stag Project Safer sex, advice and support/ social group for gay and bi men, meets in Gateshead. Call Mark or Steve 0191 490 1699 Mesmac Northeast - Offices In Newcastle and Middlesbrough Promotes Sexual &mental health. 1-1 counselling, general support for gay & bi men, support groups. 0191 233 1333 / 0164 280 4400 Street level Support group for HIV/AIDS people, partners, family & carers women only session avail. 0191 455 3027 Monday Night Mix @ Hart Gables Everyone welcome Alan - 01429 236 790 Morpeth LGBT Support group Fortnightly meetings 0798 026 0345 NE Transgender Social & psychological support for TS/TV Emma - 0779 959 8843 NEOLN 40yrs+ lesbian women group Tel : 0191 261 2277 (Tues 7-10pm) Northallerton Gay Mens support group, Monthly meetings, socials Pete 0190 462 0400 Parents Enquiry NE Advice, support group, and free literature for parents of LGBT. Joan 0191 4552868 Jill on 01642 370230 (After 6pm) penejoan@supanet.com www.parentsofgays.co.uk Plus Group For LGB people under 25, meets every Tuesday 6-8pm Central Gateshead, call Pam, Mark or Steve, 0191 490 1699 Positive Living Support services for HIV+ people, partners, family & carers in Darlington & Co. Durham. 01325 252522 SCENE NEWS T-sides out Over 21s Gay and bisexual mens groups meets @Mesmac Teesside Thurs 7-9pm 01642 804400 Teesside Positive Action Support group for HIV/AIDS people, partners, family & carers, complimentary therapies and education. 0164 254 598 Teesside Trans Group @ Hart Gables Social support, Activities and much more Contact Joanne on 01429 236790 UNISON Regional LGBT Group for UNISON members meets in Newcastle 0191 245 0806 Women On Women Support, friendship, monthly drop-ins & socials for lesbian & bi women 07939 946645 Young lesbian group Lesbian and curious/confused group, Socials & support for under 25’s / 01912612277 R2B @ Hart Gables 18 – 25 yrs LGBT people twice monthly meeting Georgia – 0142 923 6790 POWERHOUSE Packed line up darlington drag Phenomena After a quiet few months at the Newcastle Superclub the Powerhouse have announced their line-up for the next few months, and the weekends are packed full of stars! Blackpool used to be the destination for Drag Queen loving folk of the North East but not anymore it seems as Darlington is becoming ‘Drag of the North’. It all started with Gaylicious at Joe Rigatonis hosting the occasional Drag Show, started two years ago with Out North East Columnist Ophelia Balls and since has become a full ‘Cabaret’ bar for its weekly camp fest ‘Gaylicious’. Friday 10th April sees an Easter Bank Holiday Skool Disco Special with Nikki French performing Total Eclipse of the Heart, don’t stay out too late though because you won’t want to miss Robin S performing ‘Show Me Love’ on the Saturday. May Bank Holiday weekend sees a Saturday Special with the Powerhouse flying in DJ Sammy and the Warm Weather to perform Heaven and Boys of Summer! For more info – logon to www.newcastlegay.co.uk Free Confidential Services for GAY & BISEXUAL MEN Covering the North East region, including: Groups, Counselling, One-to-one Support, Free Condoms & Lube, Phone Information & Advice and now 1 Hour HIV Testing Newcastle: 0191 233 1333 Middlesbrough: 01642 80 44 00 Check out our new look website with great new features at: www.mesmacnortheast.com Drag Queens include Flic Ma Bean and Greta la More, firm regional favourites along with local girls Duchess Davinya, Her Madjesti, Lucylicious and Gina Tonic! Not content with hosting in Darlingtons favourite Gay Bar (on a Monday at least!) Gina and Lucylicious can also be found at Avalon, just across the road! The fun doesn’t stop at Joe’s, as Retro hosts G-Factor, with, you guessed it – Drag Queen hosts Queenie Queers and Mangelina Holie. Inside Out the pre-bar for the Monday Club Night ‘GAY Mondays’ sees SATUR-GAY Favourite Honey Lingus and the NORTH EAST ONLY RESIDENCY of Cyber Drag Legend CHRISSY DARLING of Essential in Manchester. So what’s next? Well, Inside Out are hosting a Drag Pageant on April 6th with Region wide Drag Queens competing for a cash prize (which goes to Charity in true Pageant style)…so theirs plenty for Darlo Queens to come… Also look out in Darlington for…. The Quays are hosting a Men Only night on Monday 13th April, entry is Free if you pop in before hand and ask at the bar for a ticket! Also, Inside Out hosts an Army and Navy Party on Bank Holiday Monday 4th May, one for all you Uniform Lovers… FSummer! For more info – logon to www.newcastlegay.co.uk Queens competing for a cash prize (which goes to Charity in true Pageant style)…so theirs plenty for Darlo Queens to come… Also look out in Darlington for…. The Quays are hosting a Men Only night on Monday 13th April, entry is Free if you pop in before hand and ask at the bar for a ticket! Also, Inside Out hosts an Army and Navy Party on Bank Holiday Monday 4th May, one for all you Uniform Lovers… Send us your news to news@outnortheast.com Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com 27 30 Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com 31 SCENE LISTINGS Tuesday WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SunDAY Newcastle Newcastle Newcastle Newcastle Newcastle Newcastle The Yard 1pm – 1am The Yard 1pm – 1am The Yard 1pm – 1am The Yard 1pm – 1am The Dog 12noon – Midnight The Dog 12noon – Midnight The Dog 12noon – Midnight The Dog 12noon – Midnight The Eagle 5pm – 11pm The Eagle 5pm – 11pm The Eagle 5pm – 11pm The Eagle 5pm – 11pm Heavens Above 8pm – 1am Heavens Above 8pm – 1am Switch 11am – 1am The Bank 12noon – 1am Heavens Above 8pm – 1am Heavens Above 8pm – 1am Switch 11am – 1am Switch 11am – 1am The Bank 12noon – 1am The Bank 12noon – 1am Eclipse 11am – Midnight Eclipse 11am – Midnight @ne 5pm – 1am @ne 5pm – 1am Gossip 11am – 1am Gossip 11am – 1am The Yard 1pm – 1am Your guide to going out in the North East Darlington The Yard 1pm – 1am Joes Bar 7pm – Midnight The Dog 12noon – Midnight Gaylicious Cabaret every week The Eagle 5pm – 11pm Heavens Above 8pm – 1am Switch 11am – 1am I Love Switch All drinks buy one get one free The Bank 12noon – 1am Eclipse 11am – Midnight @ne 5pm – 1am Gossip 11am – 1am The Loft 11pm – 3am Shag Tag with Cris Howe The Eagle 5pm – 11pm Heavens Above 8pm – 1am Monday Newcastle The Dog 12noon – Midnight Seen 8pm - 1am ay Mondays Pre Party with DJ Michelle Inside Out 11pm – 4am Gay Mondays – Drag Queens, Dancers + More… Switch 11am – 1am The Bank 12noon – 1am Switch 11am – 1am Eclipse 11am – Midnight The Bank 12noon – 1am @ne 5pm – 1am Eclipse 11am – Midnight Gossip 11am – 1am The Loft 11pm – 3am Middlesbrough @ne 5pm – 1am Gossip 11am – 1am Eclipse 11am – Midnight @ne 5pm – 1am Gossip 11am – 1am Powerhouse 11.30pm – 3.30am Neon – Top DJ Cris Howe + Special drinks offers The Bank 12noon – 1am Eclipse 11am – Midnight @ne 5pm – 1am Gossip 11am – 1am The Loft 11pm – 3am Shag Tag with Cris Howe Middlesbrough H’s Bar 12noon – 11pm The Vault 9pm – 4am It’s a Man’s Place – Men Only The Vault 9pm – 4am It’s a Man’s Place – Men Only The Quays 12noon – Midnight Special drinks offers all night, free entry The Oak 7pm – Midnight Middlesbrough The Oak 7pm - Midnight Powerhouse 11pm – 4am Powerhouse 11pm – 6am Frixon and Pop Garden – 3 Rooms of music + Huge live PAs Retro 8pm – Midnight Karaoke with Queeny Queers Middlesbrough H’s Bar 12 noon – 11pm The Oak 7pm – 11pm Ttonic 8pm – 1am Crisco Disco with Miss Trixie and DJ T-Pot H’s Bar 12noon – 12pm Disco Karaoke from 8pm The Oak 7pm – 11pm The Oak 7pm – 2am DJ Jigs Glass Spider 10pm - 3am Crisco Disco Afterparty. Entry £1 The Black Bull 7pm - Late Middlesbrough H’s Bar 12noon - 12pm Powerhouse 11.30pm – 3.30am Religion Middlesbrough H’s Bar 6pm – 11pm The Oak 7pm – 2am Cherry Pop with DJ JIGs + Guests The Oak 7pm - 2am DJ Matt Nevin with the SATUR-GAY Warm-up The Cornerhouse 11pm – 3.30am SATUR-GAY 3 Rooms - Drag Queens, DJs + Silly Drinks Prices Dragoke Luma 9pm – Midnight Lumalicious hosted by Ophelia Balls BORED OF THE SAME SCENE? Send us lisitings to listings@outnortheast.com Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com Middlesbrough The Eagle 5pm – 11pm Switch 11am – 1am H’s Bar 12noon – 12pm Disco Karaoke from 8pm SUNDERLAND The Dog 12noon – Midnight Heavens Above 8pm – 1am Harveys 8pm – Midnight Blasphemy H’s Bar 12noon – 11pm Disco Karaoke from 8pm The Yard 1pm – 1am Send us lisitings to listings@outnortheast.com SATUR-GAY Middlesbrough’s Biggest Gay Club Night Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com 34 Out North East / Issue 15 / www.outnortheast.com Horoscopes with Jasmine Starr HOROSCOPES Look and feel fantastic with cosmetic surgery from experts you can trust Aries March 21st - April 19th A friend might come to you for help with a problem. They seem to be going round in circles and not coming to any conclusions. Any advice you can offer will be gratefully received. Don’t be too pushy though – the ultimate decision has to come from them. You may find yourself in demand from another friend too, but this is a social invitation which you won’t want to miss! Cancer June 21st - July 22nd Perhaps you have a professional or personal relationship that needs a time-out. Time to rethink and relieve some of the pressure you both feel you are under. Have a break then approach it with fresh ideas and you’ll be surprised at how well you will start to get on again. Socially things are set to get very busy over the next few weeks. Start saving up for some good times! Libra September 23rd - October 22nd Keep a clear head at work and it could pay dividends. An opportunity may present itself which is too good to be true. Play your cards right and you’ll come out a winner. Personally you will feel somewhat restless, and your excesses of energy need to be put to good use. Spend some time with your partner, or, if single, find some extra-curricular activity to keep you amused. Capricorn December 22nd - January 19th Someone has some very handy hints and tips for you to improve your financial position. You’d do well to heed their advice. Be prepared to dig a bit deeper if you need more clarity. But refrain from making any joint decisions until you’ve discussed matters with your other half. All being well your money situation should improve over the next few weeks. Taurus April 20th - May 20th A busy time ahead for you Taurus. Things are set to get very busy in your work and social lives! Get yourself organised and you shouldn’t miss an important date. Time will fly by over the next few weeks, but don’t ignore your diary! Friends will get upset if you let them down, and may see you as a little too smug. A romantic liaison is also on the cards, with a very positive outcome! Leo July 23rd - August 22nd Your opinions won’t please everyone, but you are resolute and perhaps a little stubborn. You don’t think much of colleagues’ ideas either, so you’ve reached a bit of an impasse. Listen to the advice of a well meaning friend, and you should find a way out of the problem. Your partner might be feeling a bit down, but you won’t be short of ideas as to how to cheer them up! Scorpio October 23rd - November 21st You may find yourself being over hesitant in business matters. It shouldn’t hamper progress too much, but you might find a bit of a backlog building up if you’re not careful. Don’t store up any difficult issues – deal with them as they arise. Elsewhere, an old flame is set to make a surprise appearance, and your sensual side is set to go into overdrive! Aquarius January 20th - February 18th You are all over the place at the moment. First you’re really busy, then you’re at a loose end. Frustrating isn’t it? Keep yourself as flexible as possible and take up any social offers which come your way. Maybe plan a treat for your partner or if you’re single, push the boat out and make the first move on someone you’ve been lusting after. Gemini May 21st - June 20th A resourceful person you are Gemini, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Friends and colleagues watch and learn as you work your way effortlessly through a series of different tasks with very differing skill requirements. Even you will be surprised at your versatility! Now is not the time for self doubt – you can achieve pretty much anything you want to right now, so go for it! Virgo August 23rd - September 22nd You will be introduced to a stranger who has been living or working nearby. You will get on just fine, and a good relationship is set to blossom. At work things may not be going so smoothly, and your services might be called upon to fix a rather large problem. Fear not though, you’ll keep a clear head and see it resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. Sagittarius November 22nd - December 21st Your enthusiastic and outgoing personality is coming out at the moment. A friend might be in need of cheering up, and you’re just the person for the job! Make them feel special, take them out and show them a good time. Listen to their woes and then convince them that there’s more to life. It won’t be hard. They will come round in the end and be eternally grateful! Pisces February 19th - March 20th Your focus is on matters further afield at the moment. All the day to day stuff is pretty mundane, but nonetheless needs to be attended to. Ignore these at your peril! You have excesses of energy so put them to good use! Save a little of that energy for your partner though, and they’ll get a pleasant surprise! Your advert here? Advertising in Out Northeast works. For your advert in the North Easts ONLY Gay Press call 01642 220040. Discounted rates for Small Businesses, Charities and Community Groups. 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