We sit down with one of pop’s most eligible contenders for the next big thing. Meet Sam Callahan, who isn’t afraid of getting naked or walking across hot coals to be remembered. Remember his name… (more…)
Category: Interview
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INTERVIEW: Anttix the pop prince is all for gay marriage
So we sit down for a chat with the UK’s newest, hottest pop prince Anttix, he’s a cheeky thing – him. Even though his preference is the single ladies, he’d still take us out on a date, he’d sing at our weddings plus you can watch him perform at numerous Pride events this summer. Plus he looks abit alright in the buff. Meet Anttix…
So we have to ask… Where’s the name from and does your family call you Anttix?
Ahhh…I used to pretend it was my real name but now thanks to Wikipedia I can’t get away with it! haha…The name came about quite organically really. My management used to say…’Oh look he’s back up to his antics’ (Ill let you imagine what that might be) haha…and my real name is Antony. So we came up with Anttix. Some members of my family call me Anttix but my mum – no way! Not when II’mbeing told off anyway! haha!
We know you’re straight, well we’re assuming anyway, but for just one moment, imagine… where would you take us out on a date?
Haha…I’d take you on a date, I’m the most chilled out guy you could meet. I guess It would depend on who you were? As all I know about you is these questions sent to me from my management. Few beers, maybe I would sing to you and make you fall in love with me. Something like that! hahaha!
Whats your craziest fan moment?
Im currently on a schools tour across the UK and It’s actually mental. Everyone starts crying at me – I was not prepared for it ALL ALL. At first I didn’t know what to do, it’s kinda mental for me. To me Im just a regular guy. Certainly not worth crying over!! haha…I also get sent lots of fan mail. Some of that is a little crazy, BUT It’s cool. I love them all so it’s all good!
Biggest guilty pleasure?
Umm…I don’t get this whole guilty pleasure thing. If I like something I like it. I don’t feel guilty ever. Umm…OK…I ACTUALLY LIKE GANGNAM STYLE.
Politically hot topic, what’s your take on the gay marriage debate?
I actually CAN’T BELIEVE this is even a hot topic. It should have been addressed a long time ago. I think the world is mad. I truly believe in equality. I think people should be allowed to love who they want regardless of sex. I mean it’s 2013 man. People are dying in the world and we’re worried about whether two people who love each should be allowed to marry. If two dudes or two chicks wanna tie the knot I’M ALL FOR IT. Don’t forget to send me my invite.
If you found a million pounds in a briefcase in a park somewhere what would you do with it?
I actually don’t know. Im not that driven by money in general but I guess a million pound in cash – Sh*t the bed. First I’d go and party to celebrate…Then I would probably post a pic of it on my Instagram/twitter…I mean come on…PRIORITIES! haha…then I’d probably call my best mate paul and we’d come up with some ridiculous plan about how were gonna take over the world or something stupid like that.
What’s your biggest fashion faux pas?
Ahhhh no regrets. hahaha…Probably not wearing clothes in my recent shoot. Noone should be seeing that. hahah!
What couldn’t you live without?
My phone. Im addicted.
Are we ever likely to see dirty pics of you on Twitter?
Define dirty. Probably not! But I guess you can never say never.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
The first hour after I wake up is always a blur. Usually eat chewits!
The Stig or Jeremy Clarkson?
The Stig
Kelly Clarkson or Kelly Osbourne?
Kelly Osbourne
Kelly Rowland or Beyonce?
Beyonce
Single ladies or MILFs?
Single ladies
Anttix new single Tornado is out on the 28th July 2013 on The Famous Company Label
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INTERVIEW | Peter Tatchell
Speaking to Peter Tatchell it began to dawn on me quite how influential he really is.
CREDIT: Monty McKinnen A staunch figure within the LGBT community, Peter Tatchell has been campaigning for LGBT equality since 1969. A lot has changed in the 44 years that Tatchell has truly, tirelessly fought for gay rights. I ask if he expected such progress back when he started out.
“I knew it would be a challenge and expected it would take at least 50 years to get LGBT equality,” he claims, nonchalantly.
“It seems to have been achieved in just under 50 years. So I was a bit of a pessimist.” He laughs.
“Obviously the next big thing for us is the battle for equal marriage. After that, some serious tidying up of other legislation is needed. Especially regarding the equality laws. For example the government still gives exemptions to religious organisations, allowing them to discriminate.”
He pauses for a moment, then somewhat dramatically states,
“That’s. Not. Right.”
Over recent months, it has become quite clear that the gay community are somewhat divided on the issue. The exemption of religious institutions has caused outrage for some, yet others don’t seem to care about the issue. I ask why he thinks this is the case.
“As much as admire Stonewall, I find their stance on equal marriage to be deeply problematic. For many years they opposed equal marriage, arguing that civil partnerships were enough. “
I ask if he thinks Stonewall’s views have “rubbed off” on the community.
“They only changed their minds, because of a mass rebellion by their members. Even now, Stonewall does not support equal civil partnerships for heterosexual couples.”
I ask if this particularly bothers him.
“Absolutely, they (Stonewall) claim that it’s up to straight people to fight that issue. Which I find very strange because in all the campaigns for LGBT equality, Stonewall appealed for straight support!”
I can’t help but snigger at the obvious irony that he has pointed out.
“Yet now, when many straight people want support from the LGBT community regarding equality in heterosexual civil partnerships, Stonewall are refusing to give it. The whole thing reeks of self-obsession and selfishness and frankly it’s doing the LGBT community a lot of harm, especially in the eyes of the public.”
Whilst on the subject of inequality, I can’t resist hearing his views on the cartoonish Nigel Farage and UKIP.
He seems to have been expecting it and his answer was quintessentially Tatchell-esque.
Concise, adroit and beautifully acerbic
“UKIP is the new nasty party. They’re staunchly opposed to equal marriage, claiming that same-sex couples only deserves Civil Partnerships, and what makes it somewhat worse, is that they exploiting this issue to win over disaffected Tories. Nigel Farage, whatever his intentions, is manipulating homophobia, for political advantage.”
Tatchell can’t hide the disgust in his voice.
“UKIP are in an alliance with several extremist right wing organisations, within the European parliament which all stand accused of racism and homophobia. There may be some members of UKIP who are not racist or homophobic, although the party as a whole attracts a whole host of deeply prejudiced supporters.
I mention their rather shocking result in the recent by-election, to which he immedietly replies:
“The LGBT community and liberal heterosexuals should most definitely give UKIP a wide birth and we cannot afford to become complacent.”
Tatchell is perhaps best known for his various campaigns. I ask if he has anything planned and it would seem Tatchell is showing no signs of stopping.
“I shall be continuing a longstanding liaison with the commonwealth to overturn the criminalization of homosexuality by more than 40 of the 54 member states. I don’t feel they are doing enough to challenge the homophobic witch-hunt in countries such as Nigeria and Uganda.”
Judging by the shocking Ugandan campaigns such as ‘Kill the Gays’; it doesn’t seem that they are making much progress.
Tatchell continues:
“I am also working toward producing an MTV style video against homophobia in Football. We’re aiming to have it shown in schools and Football clubs. We are also looking to feature it on various sports channels. It has been a long time project of mine. However we are in need of some major corporate backing.”
Tensions have also been rising between the LGBT and Muslim communities respectively. This is an issue Peter aims to solve with his newest campaign “Gays and Muslims UNITE – Fight OR Hate”
Its primary focus is to build bridges to support LGBT Muslims and also to fight far right organisations such as EDL or The BNP.
Tatchell is also working to ensure that straight civil partnerships become a viable option for heterosexuals. He claims that:
“I am strongly behind the Amendment to allow heterosexual civil partnerships. This bill is about equality, which must include straight equality.”
Peter reminds me that despite the somewhat landslide victory in favour of marriage equality, we’re not in the clear yet and should definitely not become complacent. He strongly encourages the community to lobby the House of Lords in order to show support. Tatchell adds that he is:
“Unsure about the Lords vote, however I’m optimistic.”
Finally, I ask him
“Have you anything to add?”
“Same Sex marriage is an unstoppable global trend. Across the world it is becoming an issue. We are winning although there is still a long way to go. I cannot help but find the global progress we are making utterly inspiring.”
He smiles
“It’s fantastic to think that countries as diverse as South Africa, Argentina and Uruguay now have same-sex marriage ahead of Britain”
To find out more about Peter’s work and his upcoming projects, go and check out his websitewww.petertatchellfoundation.org and be sure to subscribe for regular updates.
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INTERVIEW | Michael John
Chris Jones, catches up with author Michael John, whose book Older, Younger aims to take a look at one of last taboos in the gay community – Older guys who date younger men.
Your new book deals with the subject of age, mixed with sex and soft drug use. How much of this is based on real life, and how much is fiction?
Most of Older, Younger is based on real life. The Alan Reid character is modelled on a retired teacher I knew in the Merseyside area, who smoked weed and had all these strapping younger guys coming around to his house and doing odd jobs for him. He was a charming guy and I tried to capture that in the character. Terry is based on a good-looking young guy from Leeds I met in Gran Canaria, and George is an amalgam of several older gay men I’ve known. The contents of the book are based on anecdotes that I’ve been told, or things that have happened to me, or that I’ve observed.
Why set it in a holiday resort?
It’s set in Playa Del Ingles because it’s a place that has an extremely mixed-age, inclusive gay scene, with bars and clubs where older gay men as well as younger ones can enjoy themselves. There are other places like that in the world, but Playa combines it all in a particularly vibrant way.
You use a mix of real time and flashback – why?
It seemed important to reflect where the characters were coming from more deeply than I could have done if I’d just described what happened in Gran Canaria. I want them to have depth, so the reader feels as if they know them. So much of people’s characters is moulded by formative experiences, so without reflecting those I felt things could have become two-dimensional.
Do you feel that this area of gay fiction, the age gap, is underrepresented?
The age gap between lovers is often explored, but usually from the point of view of the older person admiring the younger. What is not represented are those of us who find older people attractive. This is a shame because it contributes to a situation where older gays feel excluded, or over the hill – or no longer see themselves as sexually desirable. Most people have something sexy about them, and this kind of fiction can give readers a sense of the possibilities that might exist for them, if they dare to explore.
What do you feel can be done to bring more acceptance to age difference attraction?
That’s a tough question! There are always going to be people who look at a young person who’s in love with someone significantly older and say “they’re doing it for the money”, or some other such comment. But I suppose the main thing is to try to foster open-minded, inclusive attitudes in the gay scene. We are all getting older, we will all get old… we need to move away from the idea that to be attractive you’ve got to be a young Adonis type. Everyone’s got something that makes them attractive!
What influences you? Any other authors?
I’m influenced by all sorts of things: books include Dancer From The Dance by Andrew Holleran, Faggots by Larry Kramer, and City of Night by John Rechy… but I read a lot of straight fiction too, and watch a huge number of films. To be honest I think the most important thing for a writer is just to observe other people and watch what they do, listen to what they say… try to imagine what’s going on for them emotionally. These are the kind of things that will give you ideas.
Any plans for a possible follow-up?
Yes, I’m definitely going to write a sequel to Older, Younger. Since I’ve written it a lot of people have told me they want to know what happens to Alan, George and Terry after their holiday – and I have a lot of ideas about where things will go.
Any advice for would be writers out there?
Enjoy your writing, and keep working on it and trying to make it live. Try not to get too downhearted if you can’t get an agent or a publisher. Very few people land the kind of big book deals that you read about in the media, but it doesn’t necessarily mean than your work is inferior, or that you haven’t got something important to say.
Why self-publish?
I submitted Older, Younger to several agents and publishing houses, but the consensus seemed to be that it was too much of a niche subject, that wouldn’t generate the kind of revenues they wanted. But most people who read the book, even the ones who turned it down, seemed to respond positively to it – so when I heard about ebook publishing I thought: why not? It’s a story which I felt was worth getting out into the world.
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INTERVIEW | Simon Adkins
We got the chance to catch up with one the West End’s brightest newcomers , Simon Adkins. He gives us the inside gossip on Viva Forever.
Q. At what age did you start performing and where did you train?
I was born in the dance studio really, as my mum was my dance teacher when i was younger. So i began dancing at about 2/3 yrs old at the Susan Taylor Dancing Academy, Banbury, and never looked back. I use to do a lot of amateur dramatics whilst i was at school, and then it wasn’t until 1998, when i went to Bird College to do my degree, that i began singing and acting more seriously.Q. When you first heard about the auditions for ‘Viva’, what were your initial thoughts about a musical based on the Spice Girls work?
My initial thought was, great subject matter, the biggest girl band of all time. Got to be a hit really hasn’t it? I wasn’t sure until i started auditioning if the book would be a biographical based storyline or if Jennifer would write an original story. Also the fact that Judy Craymer was producing, I knew it would be the talk of the town, following on from her global success with Mamma Mia.Q. When you started the workshops/rehearsals, was there an opportunity for your own creative imput with the role of Leon?
Absolutely. The creative team were very generous in letting us suggest things for our characters. Thats the beauty of creating something from scratch, there are no right or wrong answers so we were allowed to try different things along the way and throughout the whole process. A luxury an actor wouldn’t be allowed in most other shows.Q. How was your first meeting with the Spice Girls and Jennifer Saunders?
I first met Jennifer at my last couple of auditions for the role actually. I was told she would be there and obviously being the Ab Fab fan that i am, i kinda s**t myself a little bit!! The feeling of walking into a room and having to be funny in front of the writer is a little daunting, especially when its Jennifer Saunders sat opposite you. Luckily i managed to make her laugh and get the job. I’d met two Spice girls previously to Viva, I actually worked with Emma Bunton as one of her dancers in her music video ‘Maybe’ back in 2003 i think. I’d also met Victoria when i was in Jersey Boys as her family love musicals. But the first time we met them on Viva was firstly at the Sitz Probe (band call) when Mel C, Emma & Geri came to watch us sing through the songs of the show with the band for the first time. And then i met them all on opening night obviously, which was such an incredible night. I never thought i’d ever be on stage with all five Spice Girls let alone chat to them all afterwards. Very special times!Q. 8 shows a week must be exhausting, how do you keep yourself fit and healthy?
It is a busy week, but i guess we actors get use to the stamina of doing 8 shows a wk after a period of time. I make my week even longer by teaching musical theatre twice a week at Performers College. All this keeps me quite but i do have to try and eat as healthy as possible because when you’re busy its so easy to just grab something convenient and not necessarily healthy.Q. Recently Bertie Carvel has been leading a campaign aimed at Equity and the Society of London Theatre’s, against the proposed settlement for the West End in 2013 including a clause that would allow two Sunday performances. Is this something you would support?
This is a tricky one, as the Sunday performance clause is just one part of the new Equity agreement being negotiated at the moment. Obviously Sundays are the majority of people’s day off who work in this business and i completely understand how important weekends are to those with families especially. I’m not convinced however that theatre producers would find it financially viable to do two performances on a Sunday as the costs they incur to put on the shows would be astronomical. Having done a Sunday show on a previous job i’m not sure they would find two audiences in London on a Sunday, especially the evening performance. I will be interested to see how this is settled in the not to distant future.Q. What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry now?
I’d give them the same advice as i give my present students, there is no point in being a one trick pony in this business anymore, triple threats are what casting and producing teams are looking for nowadays. Everyone needs to be able to act, sing and dance. But if it’s something that you are passionate about doing, 100% follow your dreams and stick with it as its not an easy business to be part of.Q. Equity runs a campaign called ‘I wont pretend’ aimed at LGBT actors to enable them to feel more confident when coming out to their employers in the entertainment industry. Have you yourself ever seen/experienced any discrimination towards LGBT performers in the industry, or would you say its the opposite?
Personally I have never seen it in the last 12 years that i’ve been working. Thats not to say however that it doesn’t happen. I’m sure people get judged on their sexuality all the time in this business, especially when being cast for roles, but it shouldn’t be the case. Why can’t a gay guy play a straight role or vice versa? But as i said I have never witnessed discrimination first hand which is a good thing in my eyes.Tickets for VIVA FOREVER! are available until 29 June 2013
Interview by Becky Harper
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INTERVIEW: Ceri Dupree
Drag sensation returns to the Curve in Leicester in the hit 70s and 80s musical _Hot Stuff_ with all the old favourite characters, that fabulous bum and Margaret Thatcher, Ding Dong! Meet Ceri Dupree, the lady is not for turning. (more…)
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INTERVIEW | Shingai From The Noisettes
We caught up with Noisettes lead singer Shingai, whilst she was in Africa. We talked Clarkson, Come Dine With Me and dressing up ‘like a dinner lady on acid, going to a rave.
CREDIT: Ford How’s Africa?
She sends her love, we’ve just had a monsoon, but the clouds have parted and it’s warm. I just went Bungie jumping with my brother over the Victoria Falls, which was amazing.
What’s the best thing about being a celeb?The best thing about the job that I do, is that it doesn’t feel like a job, I get to share apart of me with lots of people. As for celebrity, I never know how to really deal with it. I love to get creative with the stage and costumes though. In one of the last shows, my costume was made of something that looked like a plastic table cloth and by the time Health and Safety were done spraying flame retardant on me, I looked like a dinner lady on acid, going to a rave.
What’s the one thing people are surprised to learn about you?Erm, I’m very outdoorsy, I love getting on my bike and getting out to the country-side. I think it comes from the time when I was 11 I lived with my grandmother from Malawi – and the land was so green and fertile. I can go the glam thing, but I’m just at home putting on some riding boots and getting out there…
Any guilty pleasures?I can sit on the sofa once in a while and have a TV marathon. I don’t know if any pleasures are guilty, I’m a complete petrol head, so I love Top Gear and Come Dine With Me.
Have you ever been mistaken for somebody else?
When I was in a hotel in Romania this guy thought that I was Whitney Houston – and I was like No No No (Laughs) She’s amazing… I wish… But he was like, ‘yes, yes, I Will Always Love You, my favourite song… and I was like it’s 2009 now so if I am (Whitney Houston) I’m looking really young!
Dead or Alive who would like to collaborate with?Owwww, it would probably be Jimi Hendrix
That’s something we would love to hear!Let’s make it happen!
If you were to do a reality show which would it be?I would love to do Top Gear, I’m a die hard Top Gear fan, that’s if Clarkson wants me!
Getting political – gay marriage – Yay or Nay?I say, people should be able to marry and join in matrimony to the people they love regardless the sex, the creed, the colour. In a time of a lot of world unrest we should be promoting love.
So tell us about the Ford Fiesta!I love the way you left it right to the end… Well it came about through the people I’ve collaborated with. What was really exciting about it, like I said – being a petrol head, was driving around in a new car and have my ideal day (which is what the current Fiesta ad focuses on)
I never thought that spending the day in a ford would be so glamorous.It was so nice to be pampered by the vice creative and team and Ford crew.
When they reunited me with my dear friend Nuwella in the guitar shop and enabled me to perform alongside my sister’s beautifully choreography, it was like a dream come true.
The cosmic golden bass and I instantly became friends. She fitting neatly into the back seat. All I had to do for the adventure to begin was to the turn the key and voice command one of my favourite songs for the ride.
I’m from the generation, where my first boyfriend’s brother had a Ford Capri, so Ford has always been a company I’ve watched with interest and the Fiesta was famous in the 90s, and before we shot the video I had no idea what the new car would look like, I had a vision of the 90’s, chavvy, Ford Fiesta – the kind of thing I’d see around Deptford – a pimped up version of that, but it’s beautiful. It’s great car and I had so much fun doing the video – and I can’t wait to see it!
Check out Shingai’s Mum’s charity http://www.ponayi.org.uk
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INTERVIEW | Olly Neville
Olly Neville, former chairman of the Youth Independent (YI), UKIP’s youth organisation was unceremoniously fired in January for expressing his support for gay marriage on the World at One programme on BBC Radio 4.
Following his sacking, Mr Neville claimed UKIP was “on the wrong side of history” on gay marriage and proceeded to publicise on Twitter emails that were sent him by party leaders.
The Gay UK chats with Mr Neville about his sacking, UKIP and what it is like to be catapulted into the media spotlight.Why did you first join UKIP?
I joined UKIP because I am a libertarian, and they are a self-described libertarian party. UKIP’s manifesto had a few decent policies – flat taxes, low regulation, tax cuts for the poorest, mainly economic things whereas most other party’s manifestos were dire at best. When I joined their policy on issues like Equal Marriage was a free vote. I thought UKIP were what they said they were, genuinely libertarian leaning, a party that genuinely wanted to shrink the state, and supported internal debate as Nigel Farage (leader of UKIP) said it did. I never realised I would be quite so wrong.What was your first formal position within the party?
I first was elected Young Independence Elections officer in around August 2011, I went on to become Social Media Director in March 2012.When were you first elected to the role of Youth Chair?
I was elected November/December time.How long did you hold the position?
About a month.What are your reasons for supporting gay marriage?
Ideally, I would like to see marriage de-nationalised or privatised – so no state involvement at all. However that option is not on the table, if the state is going to be involved at all it should do it equally. I see no legitimate reason why the rights of one group in society should be denied. Simply put I have found no good arguments against equal marriage, whereas there are many very good reasons – equality of opportunity, equality before the law, the state having no right to interfere in agreements between two consenting partners etc. Sexual orientation is no basis to deny people access to marriage. If two people want to get married and a religion or a venue is happy to let them do so then no one has any right to stand in their way.Why do you think UKIP have adopted an anti-gay marriage stance?
In my eyes their opposition is pure political opportunism. They changed the policy to oppose equal marriage because they thought they could win votes. They wanted to woo angry socially conservative members off the Tories, and get some headlines. Being the only significant party to oppose Equal Marriage beside the BNP was also sure to get UKIP media attention. It’s not a principled stand it’s a short-term grab for votes and attention.How did you respond to that policy being decided and what stopped you from leaving the party?
At the time I was on the Young Independence Council – the executive of the youth wing. Pretty much everyone on it opposed the policy and disagreed with it. YI is a lot more socially liberal than the main party. I opposed it but being in UKIP you put up with a lot of nonsense policies – the immigration one for example or the idea that we need to double the military budget. Young growing parties have teething stages and bad policies come in. I didn’t realise that UKIP were going to make the policy quite so central, indeed I didn’t realise that until the party chairman angrily emailed me telling me how central the policy was after my interview. That was shocking, I hadn’t expected UKIP to try and win so much political capital out of actively denying rights to minorities. I didn’t leave because the youth wing was still very sensible, the future of the party as I saw it were behind equal marriage, let the angry social cons have their day for now.Did you anticipate the reaction you had from party leaders after the comments you made on the BBC?
No, the interview with the BBC was about 10-15 minutes long and mainly about the growth of YI. The comments on equal marriage were not a central part of the interview. But even so I didn’t think UKIP would go quite so crazy, after all Nigel Farage talks about legalising drugs, Paul Nuttall talks about bringing back the death penalty etc, Nigel had said that he believed in free speech in the party and indeed the UKIP party rule book states officers are allowed to voice their own opinions. I didn’t think they’d agree but I never expected so much vitriol.What made you tweet the emails you had from party leaders?
When it got leaked that I had been fired for supporting equal marriage there was quite a reaction. Whenever people criticise or go against UKIP their equivalent of the SNP’s ‘cyber-nats’ come out in force on Twitter to attack those that disagree, usually quite passionately and aggressively. There were all sorts of defences used by UKIP’s online members. The emails from the party Chairman show quite clearly why I was fired. I tweeted them to provide clarity.Do you regret having done so?
Not at all, I wanted everyone to see why I had been removed, for standing up for something I believe in.How did it feel when your fellow colleagues’ resigned in protest over your sacking?
It was actually really unexpected. I’d felt pretty isolated when getting bombarded with angry emails from party higher ups so when suddenly a load of people said that they were leaving too it was nice to know that I was supported, that other people who could look at the situation objectively found the parties treatment of me beyond the pale as well. Many of the people who left I already really respected within UKIP and YI and so for so many of the parties young ‘big hitters’ to leave at the same time really made me realise that it was good to take a stand on your principles as people would respect you for it. The fact so many people left from high up in YI that the council has had to shut down until the next elections really spoke volumes about how wide the gap in opinion as between ‘old’ UKIP and the Youth Wing.Are you still a member of UKIP?
Absolutely notDo you belong to another political party?
No, I am done with compromising. Being in UKIP was a huge compromise that ultimately blew up. I would rather stick to my principles than toe party lines. The way UKIP changed its view on gay rights just to win over a few angry Tories and get a few more points in opinion polls really hammered home how principles have no place in politics and no party really has any. UKIP are like all the others, willing to sell out for a sniff of power. I don’t want to be in anything like that.What is your view on the Conservative party’s pledge to leave the European Court of Human Rights?
I’m Eurosceptic but Europe and the EU has never been a high priority of mine, just like it isn’t a high priority of most of the electorate. As an anarchist I’m not a fan of any centralised bodies, be it EU, ECHR, UN etc but there are so many much bigger issues in my opinion. It’s a bit of a sideshow to the real issues but that’s what a lot of politics is.Has the UKIP sacking had an effect you personally or professionally?
Not hugely, obviously it catapulted my name into the media for a few days, which was a bit weird. Finding my picture in the metro on my way to work was a bit of a double take moment. I had a lot of people – former employers and friends I hadn’t talked to for a while contacted me to congratulate me on taking a stand. I also got a lot of positive feedback on the Internet, apart from the UKIP tribalists obviously. Strangely no one at my work seems to have realised it happened, it was my second day at a new job when it came out and my phone didn’t stop ringing the whole time.Do you think UKIP’s strong showing in the Eastleigh by-election demonstrates public support for UKIP’s position on same-sex marriage?
With pretty much every poll showing overwhelming public support for Same Sex Marriage I doubt it. People vote on big issues like the economy, welfare, education. UKIP wins votes because it positions itself as an anti politics party. It’s anti establishment, anti that notion of corrupt careerist MP’s. I think UKIP does very well setting itself up as a party for the disillusioned and the angry, not just those angry at politics in general but those from former parties who feel let down – whether its Labour for deserting the working man, the Tories from deserting ‘right wing principles’ or the Lib Dems for deserting civil liberties. UKIP promises all things to all people – its un-costed Manifesto promising £600bn in spending cuts but only outlining about £40bn in spending increases demonstrates that. -
INTERVIEW | Julian Clary
With an extended tour set in the diary, the costumes re-sequined and all the single audience members washed and sent to the stage, Julian talks about his show Position Vacant. Book your tickets now if you like glamour, nonsense and vulgarity.
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INTERVIEW | Dr Gad Lavy, The Surrogacy Doctor
Following on with our detailed surrogacy articles we chat with Dr Lavy from the New England Fertility centre who assists LGBT families from the UK to find a Surrogate in the US.
What is you’re involvement in the surrogacy process for couples?
The third party reproduction team at New England fertility institute and I have been assisting LGBT families for over 15 years to have babies. I usually meet with couples initially either in person or via Skype.
How would a gay couple who’ve decided they would like to have a child go about starting the process?
We explain the entire process, and how the couple will find both a surrogate mum and an egg donor. A good start would be to attend one of our group meetings.
How many couples from the UK each year start the surrogacy process?
We have many couples from all over Europe, including the UK, travel to the US every year.
Does it become a more complex process for UK couples who wish to have a Surrogate from the US?
We always work side by side with an attorney versed in reproductive law. This attorney will assure the couple that the baby can be brought home safely and within the legal requirements of the home country of the intended parent dads
What would happen to the couple’s rights if the surrogate decided to keep the baby?
It is not possible for the surrogate to keep the baby. Hundreds of babies are born through surrogacy every year in the US. There has never been a case where the surrogate can become the legal parent.
If two men wished to have a child yet not know which was the biological father are they allowed to mix deposits in a kind of lottery?
Usually the biological dads each create a set of embryos. In many cases, the couple chooses to put an embryo from each dad into the uterus of the surrogate. 40-50 percent of those cases produce twins. It is sometimes necessary to do a DNA test on the child(ren) for legal purposes and birth certificate. An attorney must be consulted in all cases.
At what age does the child need to reach before the couple are allowed to bring him or her back to the UK?
The couple can usually bring their baby home no more than 30 days after the birth.
Is it harder for gay couples to find a surrogate in the US?
No it is not harder for gay couples to find a surrogate in the US. We work very closely with Circle Surrogacy, a gay friendly surrogacy agency located in Boston mass. They match up to 100 gay couples every year with American surrogates.
You cannot pay a woman to have a child for you in the UK whereas you can in the US. Is there an average price or donation for a surrogate mother?
The average compensation to a US surrogate is 20,000 dollars.
Does this increase if you require an egg donor and a surrogate mother?
The average cost to do the medical procedure using an egg donor and surrogate is about 40,000 dollars.
Once the child is delivered and the new fathers are back home in the UK, is there a support system to help answer the inevitable questions on how to raise the child?
Yes, both New England fertility and circle surrogacy have a network of gay families that can be of assistance with any questions regarding raising of children in a gay family home.
Do you ever keep in touch with the new families you’ve helped to create?
Yes of course we keep in touch with our families!
Where can people go to read more information about what you do and your services?
We always refer perspective parents to our website for more information: www.nefertility.com
Dr Lavy will next be in London on the 15th March 2013 where a group meeting will take place. To book your free place at the meeting click here.
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INTERVIEW | Matt Flint Lord Of The Dance
Matt Flint is the UK’s favourite dancer. He won the second and last series of the BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance programme, wowing millions of viewers and the judges with his Billy Elliot inspired story.
This month, Matt will be hosting at the ‘Move It’ event at London Olympia between the 8th and 10th of March, so you had better get your ballet pumps on now if you want to meet him in person.
TGUK: So! Where are you from, Matt?
Matt: I’m from Scarborough in Yorkshire (laughing) but it feels like I’m from London. I’ve lived here more than I lived in Scarborough now. I moved to London when I was 16, I’m 31 now so I’m getting to the halfway point
TGUK: Oh my goodness me! So where did you train?Matt: I went to a college called Lane Theatre Arts. It’s a theatre college and I went there at 16 getting ready to face the Big Bad World.
TGUK: So what was your first dance job?Matt: Well whilst at Lanes I dabbled in some things, but my biggest gig when I left was when I went on tour with ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’. For their UK tour. I was a spatula in that.
TGUK: That’s terribly camp! Undoubtedly that’s a defining moment in your career?Matt: (laughs) Yes! Oh God, some of them you try and forget about. I’ve had more than a few of them in my life, definitely. Well you just find yourself in a costume, you’re like “What am I doing?” I mean I remember once about 8 years ago I was out of work and I was doing a little promotion gig as a banana, I thought what the f**k am I doing (laughing)
Being dressed as a banana was a low point, but luckily a lot of my jobs have been quite high profile. I’ve been lucky
TGUK: Yeah, any major choreographers that you’d like to work with, or any individuals or troops in particular?Matt: I’ve worked with most of them, actually one who I’ve not worked with Wade Robson, He’s an American, he’s based in L.A and he’s brilliant! I’ve worked a lot with Matthew Born quite a lot; we worked on “The Nutcracker” and a couple of other shows. I toured America, Asia and Australia with him for a year and a half
TGUK: How does it feel to be Britain’s favourite dancer? It’s a bit of a mantle isn’t it?
Matt: It’s a funny feeling actually. I’m gutted that it’s over. But then having the titles to keep forever is kind of cool.
TGUK: Nobody is going to steal your crown! Was it a good experience thoughMatt: That process was just phenomenal to be honest as a dancer there’s no other thing in the world where you get challenged, quite as much. The pressure is really on. To be put on that kind of platform, to be tested like that you can’t beat it really. I mean it’s a bit of a phenomenon really when you’ve got these reality TV shows because it’s an instant gauge. You can see what the audience are thinking of you instantly, not only are they voting for you but like if you go onto Twitter or something like that immediately after you can see what they were saying.
TGUK – Did that kind of surprise you, or shock you? Or were you kind of prepared for that?Matt: Well what I will say, is I did the competition when I was 29. I think if I’d have done it a 19 I’d have handled things very differently. I think I was wise to it to know that if you’re going to be on a reality show and take the good stuff, you’re going to take the bad stuff as well. Because there’s always going to be people sat at home on their computer saying “He was really sh**”.
TGUK: Tell me, there’s a whole host of reality TV shows your doors could be opened to. If you had your pick of them, which one would you like to do next?Matt: I choreograph for Strictly Come Dancing, and that’s probably the one I’d have picked anyway! I got asked to do Britain’s Got Talent to start submitting troops and stuff. They don’t really appeal to me too much. I don’t think there’s room in the market for them.
TGUK: So you know, obviously there are a lot of gays in dancing. You’re not gay yourself are you?Matt: No I’m straight. But the dance world has always been very gay. I think it’s changed a little bit in recent years. I mean I think first of all it’s not acceptable really for a young lad. Well it wasn’t anyway a few years ago. Because it’s quite a feminine thing really. Dance is just a massive way of expressing yourself. Gay people love to express themselves (laughing) although if you go into musical theater’s nowadays it’s kind of like 50/50 I reckon
TGUK: Do you think that something like Billy Elliot has kind of helped that because he’s not gay. Do you think something like that kind of paved the way for kind of 12 year old boys to think actually I could do this?Matt: Yeah I think so. I also think that shows like So You Think You Can Dance help. For example the amount of messages I got when I was on it from young lads saying “You’ve really given me confidence!” says a lot about the industry now.
TGUK: So tell us a little bit about “Move It” and what it entails for you. What are you going to be doing?Matt: I’ve been involved in move it every year for the last 8 years and this year I’m going to be presenting the main stage. It’s going to be hosting the event basically. I’ve presented the Olympics; I worked on the gymnastics so I’ve had a bit of experience with it
TGUK: How do you find the presenting? Are you comfortable presenting or do you prefer keeping the dance shoes on?Matt: I find it like harder. The dancing is second nature becomes naturally. I have to work to get a result in presenting, for example, The Olympics, I had to really research everything about the sport and what was going on elsewhere. Whereas I think Move It will be a lot easier because I’m introducing acts, and know about already its installed in me it’s going to be a lot more easier than the Olympics I think
TGUK: There’s some good names on the bill for the Move It. Is there any particular one that you’re really looking forward to kind of getting to know a bit better or watch?Matt: Yeah Darcy Bussell’s there it’s going to be great for the classic world.
I love Move It. For me it’s a fantastic kind of 2 days where everyone comes together. Like 22,000 people come. Like every genre, every age. If you’re a dancer you kind of have to be there.
There you have it! Catch Matt, Kimberley Wyatt and Darcey Bussell at MOVE IT 2013, search google for MOVE IT 2013