Your digital home for LGBTQ+ life and beyond NEW THE RED RIBBON 2027 CALENDAR Top news stories ยังไม่มีโพสต์ที่เผยแพร่แล้วในภาษานี้ หลังจากที่โพสต์เผยแพร่แล้ว คุณจะเห็นข้อมูลที่นี่ LISTEN LIVE HERE Explore our content ANGIE BROWN SAM MILLETTI BABY TAP TIN What's coming up COMING SOON 14th NOVEMBER 1st DECEMBER 11th-13th DECEMBER THE LONG WEEKEND | SUMMER 2027

g10 group backs Bangkok Pride bid to bring WorldPride to Asia in 2030 g10 group has announced its support for Bangkok Pride’s bid to host WorldPride 2030, backing a campaign that could see the world’s major LGBTQ+ celebration held in Asia for the first time. The UK-based LGBTQ+ digital media company believes Bangkok would be an outstanding host for WorldPride and that bringing the event to Thailand would represent an important moment for LGBTQ+ visibility, equality and international solidarity. Bangkok is now one of just two cities remaining in the race to host WorldPride 2030, alongside Barcelona. The final decision will be made by members of InterPride, with the successful host expected to be announced in January 2027. For g10 group, the Bangkok bid is about much more than staging a major Pride celebration. It represents an opportunity to put LGBTQ+ communities in Asia at the centre of the global Pride movement and to showcase the progress, diversity and creativity of Thailand to an international audience. A historic opportunity for Asia WorldPride is organised under the licence of InterPride and brings together Pride organisations and LGBTQ+ communities from around the world. The event promotes LGBTQ+ visibility and awareness internationally and can include Pride marches, festivals, cultural events and human-rights conferences. If Bangkok wins the 2030 bid, it would be the first time WorldPride has been held in Asia. That possibility is one of the reasons g10 group is supporting the campaign. For decades, some of the world's most prominent Pride events have taken place in North America, Europe and Australia. Bringing WorldPride to Bangkok would provide an opportunity for the global LGBTQ+ community to experience Pride in a different cultural setting and to hear directly from LGBTQ+ communities across Asia. It would also send a powerful message that the international Pride movement belongs to every region of the world. Thailand has already taken significant steps in LGBTQ+ equality. The Thai government notes that the country became the first in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, while the Bangkok WorldPride bid has received support from national and local government, Pride organisations and private-sector partners. For g10 group, that combination of progress and ambition makes Bangkok an especially compelling candidate. Why g10 group is supporting the bid g10 group was created as a digital home for LGBTQ+ news, lifestyle, travel and stories from across the community. Its audience extends beyond the UK, with international LGBTQ+ destinations, events and issues increasingly forming an important part of its coverage. Supporting Bangkok's WorldPride campaign therefore feels like a natural extension of g10 group's mission. Bangkok is a city with a long-established reputation as a major international destination, but its importance to the LGBTQ+ community extends beyond tourism. The city's Pride movement has grown considerably in recent years, with Bangkok Pride becoming an increasingly visible part of the city's cultural calendar. Bangkok Pride Festival 2026 was held under the theme “Patch the World with Pride”, with organisers using the event to demonstrate Thailand's readiness to compete for the right to host a major international Pride event. The 2026 celebrations included a major Pride parade and brought together community organisations, government agencies, tourism bodies, businesses and LGBTQ+ networks. That broad coalition is an important part of Bangkok's WorldPride proposition. The bid is not simply a campaign by one organisation. Thailand's candidature has been supported by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Pride City Network Thailand, government ministries, tourism organisations and other public and private-sector partners. Pride with a purpose WorldPride should be about more than colourful parades, parties and tourism campaigns. At its heart, Pride is about visibility, equality, human rights and the ability of LGBTQ+ people to live openly and safely. That is another reason g10 group believes Bangkok deserves serious consideration. Thailand's WorldPride campaign has presented the event as an opportunity to promote equality and human rights while creating a lasting social and economic legacy. The Thai government has said that its WorldPride preparations are intended to demonstrate readiness to welcome LGBTQ+ visitors from around the world while also supporting longer-term progress on equality and the development of an inclusive economy. The campaign has also received international diplomatic support. In July, Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other partners held an event bringing together diplomatic representatives and Pride networks to build support for the Bangkok candidature. That international engagement matters because WorldPride is ultimately a global event. A successful Bangkok bid could provide a platform for conversations about LGBTQ+ rights across Asia, including the challenges faced by communities in countries where equality and acceptance remain more difficult to achieve. A message to LGBTQ+ people across Asia For many LGBTQ+ people, the significance of WorldPride coming to Bangkok would extend far beyond the millions of visitors who might attend. It could be an important moment of recognition. Hosting WorldPride in Asia would allow LGBTQ+ communities across the region to see their experiences reflected on one of the world's biggest LGBTQ+ stages. It would also give activists, campaigners, organisations and community groups an opportunity to share their work with a much wider international audience. g10 group believes that visibility matters. The international LGBTQ+ community is not a single, uniform group. It is made up of people with different cultures, languages, histories and experiences. A WorldPride in Bangkok would help underline that diversity. It could also encourage greater international collaboration between LGBTQ+ organisations in Europe, Asia and beyond. Bangkok's growing Pride profile Bangkok has already demonstrated that it can stage large-scale Pride celebrations. The 2026 Bangkok Pride Parade featured a major route through the city and formed part of a wider programme designed to showcase Thailand's LGBTQ+ community and its ambitions for WorldPride. The Tourism Authority of Thailand described the celebrations as part of the country's preparations for WorldPride 2030. The Thai government has also highlighted cooperation with civil society and Pride networks across the country. In 2026, initiatives involving the Pride City Network expanded the campaign beyond Bangkok, with dozens of provinces participating in efforts connected to equality and inclusion. That national approach could help ensure that a Bangkok WorldPride would not be confined to one city. Instead, it could become a wider celebration of LGBTQ+ Thailand. More than a tourism opportunity There is, inevitably, an economic dimension to hosting an event of this scale. WorldPride attracts international visitors, media attention and investment, while creating opportunities for hotels, restaurants, airlines, entertainment venues, cultural organisations and other businesses. Thailand's government has openly linked the Bangkok bid with tourism, the creative industries, the meetings and events sector and the development of what it describes as the country's “Pink Economy”. But g10 group believes the economic benefits should support, rather than overshadow, the community purpose of WorldPride. A successful bid should leave a legacy that can be felt after the flags have come down and international visitors have returned home. That means continued support for LGBTQ+ organisations, greater visibility, safer spaces, inclusive tourism and meaningful progress on equality. Why now? The timing could hardly be more significant. The world is continuing to experience both progress and setbacks on LGBTQ+ rights. In some countries, legal protections and social acceptance have expanded dramatically. Elsewhere, LGBTQ+ communities continue to face discrimination, violence and political pressure. Against that backdrop, WorldPride has an important role to play. It can provide a global platform for celebration, but it can also remind governments and communities that equality cannot be taken for granted. A WorldPride in Bangkok could bring that message to a part of the world where LGBTQ+ communities are incredibly diverse and where the international movement still has enormous potential to grow. g10 group: “Bangkok deserves our support” For g10 group, supporting Bangkok is therefore about recognising what the bid could mean for LGBTQ+ people both in Thailand and internationally. The organisation believes Bangkok has the opportunity to deliver a WorldPride that is energetic, welcoming, culturally distinctive and genuinely international. It could also help challenge the idea that the biggest LGBTQ+ events must always take place in the same familiar global cities. Bangkok offers something different. It offers the chance to put Asia at the heart of the WorldPride movement. It offers the chance to showcase Thai LGBTQ+ culture and creativity. And, perhaps most importantly, it offers the chance to build new connections between LGBTQ+ people across continents. With Bangkok and Barcelona now competing in the final stage of the 2030 race, the decision will ultimately rest with InterPride's membership. Whatever the final outcome, g10 group believes the Bangkok campaign has already helped demonstrate the growing strength and visibility of LGBTQ+ communities in Thailand. But we hope the next chapter is even bigger. g10 group is proud to support Bangkok Pride's bid for WorldPride 2030. We believe the time has come for WorldPride to come to Asia. And we believe Bangkok could be the city to make history.

The Red Ribbon calendar is back for 2027. We speak to Jordan Chan the brainchild of the calendar. The Red Ribbon Calendar is returning for 2027. What made you decide to bring the project back for another year, and what have you learned from the success of the previous calendar? I wanted to bring back the calendar for 2027 due to the success of last year’s calendar, which sold over 400 calendars and raised £3,400 which was split between Sussex Beacon and Terrence Higgins and leaned that the launch parties were a huge part of its success. Once again you’re raising money for Terrence Higgins Trust and The Sussex Beacon. Why was it important to continue supporting these two organisations, and what does their work mean to you personally? Yes, these two charities do fantastic work raising awareness for HIV as the country works towards 2030 Zero, and supports those living with HIV. Personally I have very close friends living with HIV, who rely on HIV charities and their support, but as a gay man, knowing the deviation the aids crisis had in the 80/90s, I want to to do my bit to help ensure our community never goes through that again. The calendar is about more than fundraising — it also aims to challenge stigma and encourage conversations around HIV. What do you hope people will take away from the 2027 calendar beyond the photographs themselves? Yes that’s right, we want to start conversations around HIV to help fight the stigma, encourage testing and safe sex, and also educate people on what treatments and prevention is out there! Those living with HIV should not have to face stigma and should be treated with the same dignity and respec You’re working again with Mwords Photography. How has your creative partnership developed, and can you give us a hint about what will make the photography and concept of the 2027 calendar different this time around? Yes this is actually our third calendar together, with this being the second red ribbon. I always wanted to create my own calendar, and raise money for charity, the first was for testicular cancer and the odd balls foundation, and now the red ribbon for the second year. Mark (Mwords) wanted to strip the calendar back making the red ribbon the front and centre, and went with black and white which I love. I could do the calendar without Mark and the boys! Looking ahead to the launch of the Red Ribbon Calendar 2027, what are your ambitions for this year — both in terms of the amount you hope to raise and the number of people you hope the campaign can reach? This years calendar is coming back bigger and better with the same locations for launch as last year but I’ve added Hastings! Saturday 24th October - Brighton at Bar Broadway Saturday 7th November - Hastings Forbidden Fruit Saturday 28th November - Kent La Margate Saturday 12th December - London Admiral Duncan and Village We want to sell more calendars than last year and raise even more money! I would like to the take the opportunity to thank all our sponsors for this years calendar too! 1 Million Gays Cafe Nucleus Forbidden Fruit Regency Tavern Thames Active La Margate Queer Kent Life Bar Broadway Pier Ceylon Bull Dog Margate Beach Club Friend of Dorothy Sukrew BUY YOUR CALENDAR NOW

g10 group looks back on its first eight months — and looks ahead to an exciting autumn and beyond It has already been a busy first eight months for g10 group — and there is plenty more to come. Since launching, g10 group has continued to grow its presence across digital media, entertainment, lifestyle, travel and beyond, with a growing range of content and new projects designed to give the LGBTQ+ community a digital home for news, lifestyle and more. Among the highlights of the first eight months has been the launch of g10 f1, bringing Formula 1 coverage and content to the g10 group audience, alongside the launch of g10 fitness, expanding the group’s offering into health, fitness and wellbeing. g10 group has also featured a number of exclusive g10 interviews, bringing audiences closer to a range of interesting and inspiring voices from across the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Another major announcement came earlier this year when g10 group confirmed that it is backing Bangkok Pride’s bid to bring WorldPride to the Thai capital in 2030. With Bangkok bidding to host the global celebration, g10 group will be following the campaign closely, with further coverage and updates planned. But while the first eight months have seen g10 group establish itself, the next few months are set to take things to another level. A new autumn of podcasts and radio This autumn will see the launch of two brand-new podcasts, with 3 Gays and a Mic and g10 Talks both premiering on g10 radio and the g10 group YouTube channel. The autumn will also see the arrival of a brand-new weekday breakfast show on g10 radio. Breakfast with Brandon will broadcast Monday to Friday from 07:00–10:00, bringing listeners three hours of chat, music and entertainment to start the day with g10 radio. And there is more original content on the way. Look out for Queer History Files with Ben Chidley, coming soon to g10 group, as well as Beyond the Chequered Flag with Toby, a brand-new addition to the g10 f1 line-up. Fashion will also become part of the g10 group offering, with g10 fashion set to launch. Eurovision Asia and Tomorrowland Thailand g10 group will also be covering two major new events in Thailand this Autumn. On Saturday 14 November, g10 group will provide virtual coverage of the first-ever Eurovision Asia, taking place in Bangkok. Then, from 11–13 December, g10 group will bring audiences virtual coverage of the first-ever Tomorrowland Thailand. Both events will form part of g10 group’s growing coverage of major international entertainment and cultural events. Two big announcements in October October will bring two particularly exciting moments for g10 group. On 2 October, g10 group will announce its New Year's Eve plans, revealing what audiences can expect as the group prepares to see in the New Year. Then, just six days later on 8 October, there will be another major announcement. g10 films, the newest addition to the g10 group family, will reveal details of its first exciting project — and it is a project that everyone can be involved with. And then comes January… There is also a major date on the horizon for Bangkok. In January, the host city for WorldPride 2030 will be announced. g10 group is backing Bangkok's bid and will be hoping that the Thai capital is announced as the winner, bringing WorldPride to Bangkok in 2030. From new radio shows and podcasts to original programming, Formula 1, fashion, film, major international events and the continuing WorldPride campaign, the coming months promise to be some of the biggest yet for g10 group. The first eight months were just the beginning. The next chapter starts this autumn.

F1 2026: Halfway There, and the Championship Is Just Getting Started By Formula 1's new era has wasted little time delivering drama. With 11 rounds completed and the championship now on its summer break, the 2026 season has already given fans a new generation of stars, a rejuvenated seven-time World Champion, changing team fortunes and a title fight that is far from settled. For LGBTQ+ fans who love the glamour, personalities, rivalries and sheer spectacle of F1 as much as the racing itself, there is plenty to get excited about as the championship heads into its second half. And if the first 11 races are anything to go by, the remaining 12 could be spectacular. Antonelli: the man everyone is chasing The biggest story of the first half has undoubtedly been Kimi Antonelli. The Mercedes youngster has gone from promising teenager to genuine championship favourite in remarkably little time. After finishing second at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Antonelli claimed his maiden F1 victory in China before winning again in Japan. His run continued in Miami, Canada and Monaco, making him the dominant force of the opening part of the season. He also became Formula 1's youngest-ever championship leader. At the summer break, Antonelli sits at the top of the Drivers' Championship with 219 points, 50 points clear of Lewis Hamilton. That is an impressive advantage — but it is not yet a comfortable one. Antonelli's challenge now is arguably more difficult than his first-half breakthrough: maintaining his composure while everyone around him works out how to beat him. Hamilton is back in the conversation If Antonelli has been the revelation, Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari revival has been one of the feel-good stories of 2026. After a difficult first season with Ferrari in 2025, there were questions about whether Hamilton could still fight consistently at the front. The answer, so far, has been emphatically yes. Hamilton took his first Ferrari podium in China, added further podiums in Canada and Monaco, and then finally achieved the moment Ferrari fans had been waiting for: victory in Barcelona. It was Hamilton's first win for Ferrari and put him firmly back into championship contention. He currently sits second with 169 points, 50 behind Antonelli. Hamilton himself has been rather less enthusiastic about his season, rating his first half as only "slightly above average". That might be classic Hamilton understatement — or a warning to everyone else. If Ferrari can continue closing the performance gap to Mercedes, the second half could see one of the sport's biggest stars mount a serious title challenge. Russell is still very much in the fight While Antonelli has grabbed most of the headlines at Mercedes, George Russell has quietly put together a very strong campaign. He won in Australia and Austria and has been a regular threat at the sharp end of the field. Russell currently occupies third place in the championship on 160 points, just nine behind Hamilton. That makes the battle inside Mercedes particularly fascinating. Antonelli has the momentum. Russell has experience and speed. And both know that every point matters when the championship enters its final stages Ferrari's double threat Ferrari could arguably have two drivers capable of challenging for major honours. Hamilton is second, while Charles Leclerc is fourth on 138 points. Leclerc's victory has so far come at the British Grand Prix, where he finished ahead of Russell and Hamilton in a remarkably close result. Ferrari therefore enters the second half with genuine momentum. The big question is whether the Scuderia can turn individual successes into sustained pressure on Mercedes. McLaren and Red Bull aren't finished yet Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have not disappeared from the championship picture either. Norris has 128 points and Piastri 92, while Max Verstappen sits sixth on 109 points. Norris at least enters the summer break on a high after winning the Hungarian Grand Prix, while Verstappen finished second. For Red Bull, however, the first half has been more difficult than many would have expected. Verstappen is still capable of winning races, but the team currently sits fourth in the Constructors' Championship behind Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren. A few strong weekends could change that quickly. The real winner? Competition Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of 2026 has been the way the competitive order has evolved. Mercedes appeared to have the advantage early in the year, but Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull have steadily closed the gap. F1 itself notes that five different drivers from three different teams won the five races immediately before the summer break. That is exactly what supporters want from a championship. Rather than one team disappearing into the distance, the development race has become almost as important as the racing itself. The 2026 regulations were a major reset for F1, bringing smaller, lighter cars, active aerodynamics and a substantially revised power-unit philosophy. As teams understand those cars better, the competitive picture continues to change. And that could make the second half particularly unpredictable. The midfield deserves some love too Not everything in F1 is about the championship. Racing Bulls have emerged as the leading midfield team, while Alpine have slipped back after a stronger start. Williams have had a particularly frustrating campaign after finishing fifth in the 2025 Constructors' Championship. They currently sit ninth. Aston Martin have also endured a difficult season but showed signs of progress with updates in Hungary. Then there is Cadillac, the new team on the grid. The American outfit has made a respectable debut season, bringing Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas back together as its experienced driver pairing. The team has yet to score a point, but its ability to run with the midfield at times has provided plenty of encouragement for F1's newest entrant. And, for fans who enjoy an underdog story, Cadillac is certainly one to watch. What can we expect from the second half? The summer break is almost over. The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort takes place from 21–23 August, before the championship heads to Monza, Madrid and Baku. Then comes an increasingly hectic run towards the finale. The races to watch 🇳🇱 Netherlands — 21–23 August The championship returns at Zandvoort, where the pressure immediately returns to Antonelli. Can Mercedes re-establish its advantage? 🇮🇹 Italy — 4–6 September Monza is Ferrari territory in every sense. Expect Hamilton and Leclerc to arrive with enormous expectations — and plenty of attention on the red cars. 🇪🇸 Spain — 11–13 September The new Madrid race adds another intriguing chapter to the 2026 calendar. 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan — 24–26 September Baku's walls, long straights and unpredictable races make it one of the calendar's biggest wild cards. 🇸🇬 Singapore — 9–11 October A night race, intense heat and a spectacular city backdrop. Singapore could be crucial for the championship. 🇺🇸 United States — 23–25 October Austin brings another major F1 weekend before the championship heads into its final run. 🇲🇽 Mexico — 30 October–1 November Mexico City is always one of the most colourful and atmospheric weekends of the season. 🇧🇷 Brazil — 6–8 November São Paulo's Interlagos circuit can produce chaos — exactly what a close championship needs. 🇺🇸 Las Vegas — 19–21 November F1 returns to the neon-lit Strip for another glamorous night race. 🇶🇦 Qatar — 27–29 November By this point, the championship picture could be dramatically different. 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi — 4–6 December And then it all comes down to Yas Marina. So, who will be champion? If you were forced to make the prediction today, Antonelli would have to be the obvious choice. A 50-point lead after 11 rounds is significant, particularly when the driver has already demonstrated that he can win repeatedly. But Formula 1 has a habit of making confident predictions look ridiculous. Hamilton has rediscovered his winning form. Russell remains within striking distance. Leclerc has demonstrated race-winning pace. Norris has shown he can capitalise when the opportunity arrives. And Verstappen is still Verstappen. The second half could therefore become a fascinating battle between the established champions and stars and a young driver who suddenly finds himself with the biggest target in Formula 1. The g10 F1 verdict Best driver so far: Kimi Antonelli Biggest comeback: Lewis Hamilton Most intriguing rivalry: Antonelli vs Hamilton Team to watch: Ferrari Dark horse: Max Verstappen Biggest surprise: Cadillac's debut Team with the most to prove: Red Bull Race we're most excited about: Las Vegas Predicted champion: Kimi Antonelli — but don't rule out Hamilton The first half of 2026 has already delivered plenty: new technology, new rivalries, old champions finding their form and a teenager taking control of the championship. But with 12 races still to come, the most exciting part may be waiting for us. For LGBTQ+ F1 fans, there is plenty of glamour, drama, personalities and racing still to enjoy. So polish the sunglasses, prepare the group chat and get ready for the second half. The lights are about to go out again This article was researched and updated on 13 August 2026. Championship standings and the race calendar are subject to change as the season progresses.

Is Brighton’s LGBTQ+ nightlife at a crossroads? For generations, Brighton has been synonymous with LGBTQ+ nightlife. From the bars and clubs of Kemptown to packed Pride weekends, the city has built a reputation as one of the UK’s great LGBTQ+ destinations. For many people, a night out in Brighton has been about far more than drinking. It has been about community, meeting people, finding somewhere to belong and being surrounded by people who understand you. But is that traditional model of LGBTQ+ nightlife beginning to change? The news that R-Bar is due to close on 20 September 2026, while Charles Street Tap is also set to close when its lease ends in September, has once again raised questions about the future of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ scene. R-Bar is part of the Revenge family, while Charles Street Tap has been a fixture of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community for around 25 years. These aren't simply two more bars disappearing from the city. Their closures have prompted a bigger conversation: is Brighton’s LGBTQ+ nightlife changing because people are changing the way they socialise? A scene built around the bar For decades, the LGBTQ+ bar has played an important role in queer life. Before dating apps, social media and online communities, bars and clubs were among the easiest places for LGBTQ+ people to meet one another. They could be places to make friends, find relationships, dance, flirt, celebrate birthdays, discover drag and simply spend an evening without having to explain yourself. Charles Street Tap arguably represented one of the more flexible versions of that model. The venue has described itself as being at the heart of Brighton's Gay Village, combining food, drinks, cabaret, DJs, quizzes and other entertainment. Its long opening hours and broad programme meant it could be a lunchtime pub, an after-work meeting place, a cabaret venue and a late-night destination. That versatility may be increasingly important in a nightlife economy where simply being a bar is no longer enough. Are our habits changing? Perhaps the biggest question is whether people are going out less — or simply going out differently. There are plenty of possible explanations. The cost of a night out has risen. A few drinks, transport, entry fees and food can quickly turn into an expensive evening. For younger people in particular, the traditional idea of spending hours moving from bar to bar may not have the same appeal it once did. Then there are dating apps and social media. Someone looking for a date, a friendship or a sexual connection no longer necessarily needs to go to a bar to find someone. Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, dating apps and online LGBTQ+ communities have changed the way people meet and communicate. That doesn't mean people have stopped wanting physical spaces. In fact, it could mean the opposite. Perhaps what people increasingly want from an LGBTQ+ venue isn't simply somewhere to drink, but somewhere that offers an experience they cannot get from their phone. Drag. Comedy. Live music. Cabaret. Community events. Food. Conversation. Clubs. Queer culture. The challenge for Brighton's venues may therefore be less about convincing people to go out and more about giving them a reason to choose one particular venue over the thousands of other things competing for their attention. Has Pride changed Brighton? There is another unavoidable part of this conversation: Brighton Pride. Pride remains one of the biggest things in Brighton's calendar. In 2026, the city celebrated the 35th year of Brighton Pride in its modern form, while Trans Pride has also become a major part of the city's LGBTQ+ calendar. During Pride, Brighton can feel almost impossibly queer. The streets fill with colour. Hotels sell out. Bars are packed. Clubs run special events. Thousands of visitors arrive from across the UK and beyond. Charles Street Tap itself has historically embraced Pride with DJs, drag and special events, and its 2026 programme included multiple Pride nights. But Pride also raises an interesting question. Has Brighton become so good at doing LGBTQ+ nightlife for one huge weekend that the rest of the year has become harder? Pride can bring enormous crowds, but those crowds don't necessarily represent the everyday nightlife audience. A visitor arriving for Pride might spend a weekend partying, while a local resident may be deciding whether they can afford a £50 or £100 night out every few weeks. There is also the changing relationship between Pride and nightlife itself. Pride is no longer just a series of parties in bars. It is a huge cultural event involving politics, activism, businesses, tourism, entertainment and community organisations. That is undoubtedly positive in many ways. But it means the traditional LGBTQ+ bar is no longer the only place where queer community happens. The loss of the 'middle ground' Perhaps one of the biggest concerns raised by the closure of venues such as Charles Street Tap is the loss of the middle ground. Not everyone wants to go clubbing. Not everyone wants a drag show. Not everyone wants to spend Saturday night dancing until 4am. And not everyone wants to sit at home. A bar where people can meet for a drink, have a conversation, watch some entertainment and decide later whether to continue their night somewhere else has a particular role in a city's LGBTQ+ ecosystem. That is one reason the closure of established venues can feel significant even when other LGBTQ+ businesses remain. The reaction from Brighton residents online has highlighted exactly this concern. One recent discussion about the closure of Charles Street Tap described the venue as somewhere between a traditional pub and a club — a place where people could meet, talk and feel comfortable without necessarily being part of a particular subsection of the scene. That is only one person's experience, of course. But it raises an important point. What happens if Brighton has plenty of places to party, but fewer places simply to belong? The scene isn't disappearing It would be wrong to suggest that Brighton's LGBTQ+ nightlife is simply dying. It isn't. The city still has established venues including Revenge, The Queens Arms Brighton, Affinity Bar and others, alongside a wider ecosystem of queer events, performers, promoters and community organisations. And there is clearly still an appetite for LGBTQ+ nightlife. Revenge continues to operate as a major late-night LGBTQ+ venue, while Brighton's broader nightlife scene continues to attract visitors throughout the year. The issue is therefore not necessarily whether there will be an LGBTQ+ scene in Brighton. It is what that scene will look like. The next generation may want something different Perhaps Brighton's LGBTQ+ nightlife needs to stop trying to recreate what worked 20 or 30 years ago. Younger LGBTQ+ people have grown up in a completely different world. They may be more comfortable meeting people online. They may drink less. They may have less disposable income. They may be more interested in experiences than simply drinking alcohol. And LGBTQ+ identity itself has become broader and more diverse. The traditional "gay village" model — a concentrated collection of gay bars aimed primarily at a gay male audience — may no longer represent the whole community. There is an opportunity here. Imagine more queer cafés, LGBTQ+ cultural spaces, comedy nights, book clubs, live performances, sober events, community gatherings, daytime events, creative spaces and mixed-age venues. Imagine places where someone can walk in alone and actually meet people. Imagine nightlife that doesn't necessarily begin at 10pm and end at 4am. That could be the future. Could Brighton become more event-led? One possible future is a move away from permanent venues being the centre of everything and towards events and experiences. Instead of relying on the same handful of LGBTQ+ bars every weekend, Brighton could see more temporary events taking over different venues. Queer DJs in mainstream clubs. Drag brunches. LGBTQ+ comedy. Pop-up parties. Queer film nights. Community dinners. Art exhibitions. Cabaret. Fitness and wellbeing events. Daytime parties. Outdoor events. The advantage is flexibility. Promoters can create something specifically for a particular audience rather than trying to make one venue appeal to everyone. But there is a downside. A permanent LGBTQ+ venue provides something an occasional event cannot: a home. And that may be the thing Brighton needs to protect. So, what is the future? The closures of R-Bar and Charles Street Tap should perhaps not be viewed simply as evidence that Brighton's LGBTQ+ scene is dying. Instead, they should be seen as a warning that the old model is under pressure. The future will probably involve a mixture of established venues, new businesses, pop-up events, community spaces and online communities. But there is a question Brighton needs to answer. Do we want an LGBTQ+ scene that exists mainly for Pride weekend and occasional big nights? Or do we want an LGBTQ+ community that has somewhere to meet, socialise and feel at home throughout the year? Because the strength of Brighton's LGBTQ+ scene has never really been about the number of bars. It has been about the people inside them. The city has always had a slightly rebellious, chaotic, welcoming and wonderfully queer character. The challenge now is making sure that character survives as nightlife, economics and people's habits change. Maybe the future isn't about bringing back the Brighton nightlife of the past. Maybe it's about creating something better for the next generation. But if the city is serious about remaining one of Britain's LGBTQ+ capitals, it will need to make sure that community doesn't become something that only happens once a year. What do you think? Are Brighton's LGBTQ+ nightlife habits changing? Do people still want traditional gay bars and clubs, or are we looking for something different? Has Pride strengthened the scene — or changed it beyond recognition? And most importantly: what should Brighton's LGBTQ+ nightlife look like in 2030?

Thinking of doing Pilates then check out our beginers guide A Beginner’s Guide to Pilates: Strength, Balance, and Body Confidence Pilates has quietly become one of the most loved forms of movement across the UK—and for good reason. It’s low-impact, adaptable, and deeply effective at building strength, improving posture, and helping you reconnect with your body. Whether you’re stepping into a studio for the first time or rolling out a mat at home, Pilates offers something powerful: a way to move that feels good, not punishing. For LGBTQ+ communities especially, where relationships with body image, identity, and wellness can be complex, Pilates can be a refreshing, affirming approach to fitness. What Is Pilates? Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on controlled movements, breath, and alignment. Developed in the early 20th century, it centres on strengthening your “core”—not just your abs, but your back, hips, and pelvic floor. Unlike high-intensity workouts that prioritise speed or calorie burn, Pilates is about precision. Every movement has a purpose, and even small adjustments can make a big difference. Why Pilates Works Pilates isn’t about chasing a particular body type—it’s about building a stronger, more functional one. Some key benefits include: Improved posture: Ideal if you spend long hours at a desk or on your phone Core strength: Supports everyday movement and reduces injury risk Flexibility and mobility: Helps you move more freely and comfortably Mind-body connection: Encourages awareness and presence Low impact: Gentle on joints, making it accessible for many fitness levels Getting Started You don’t need much to begin—just a mat, comfortable clothing, and a bit of space. 1. Learn the Basics Start with foundational moves like: The Hundred (a breathing and endurance exercise) Roll-ups (for spinal mobility) Leg circles (for hip stability) Focus on form rather than reps. Slower is better. 2. Try a Class If you can, attend a beginner class—either in person or online. A qualified instructor can help you understand alignment and avoid common mistakes. Many studios across the UK now offer inclusive, queer-friendly spaces, or explicitly state their commitment to welcoming all bodies and identities. 3. Build Consistency Two to three sessions a week is a great starting point. Even 15–20 minutes can be effective if done mindfully. Pilates and Body Confidence Fitness spaces haven’t always been welcoming to LGBTQ+ people. Pilates, however, often feels different. Its emphasis on internal strength rather than external appearance can help shift the focus away from how your body looks and toward how it feels. This can be particularly meaningful for: Trans and non-binary people navigating body changes Anyone healing from body image struggles Those seeking a non-competitive, supportive environment Pilates encourages you to meet your body where it is—no comparisons, no pressure. At-Home vs Studio Pilates Both options have their advantages: At-home Pilates Flexible and convenient Often more affordable Great for privacy and comfort Studio Pilates Access to equipment like reformers Real-time guidance from instructors A sense of community Choose what feels safest and most motivating for you. Tips for a Positive Experience Listen to your body: Discomfort is okay; pain is not Breathe deeply: Breath is central to every movement Avoid perfectionism: Progress takes time Seek inclusive spaces: Look for instructors and platforms that reflect and respect diversity Final Thoughts Pilates isn’t about transforming into someone else—it’s about becoming more connected to yourself. In a world that often tells LGBTQ+ people how they should look or move, Pilates offers a quieter, kinder alternative. It’s not just exercise. It’s a practice of strength, awareness, and self-respect. And that’s something worth showing up for.

Bangkok WorldPride 2030: Why Thailand Wants to Bring WorldPride to Asia Bangkok is bidding to make history by bringing WorldPride to Asia for the first time — and its proposal is about far more than staging one enormous Pride parade. Under the banner “Until All of Us Are Free”, Bangkok Pride has presented a vision for WorldPride 2030 built around human rights, community, culture, accessibility, sustainability and international solidarity. For g10 group, which has already announced its support for Bangkok Pride’s WorldPride 2030 bid, the proposal offers an opportunity to put Thailand — and LGBTQ+ communities from across Asia — at the centre of the global Pride movement. WorldPride is licensed by InterPride and brings together Pride organisations and LGBTQ+ communities internationally through marches, celebrations, cultural programmes and human-rights events. Bangkok Pride’s proposal envisages a 14-day global programme in 2030. And Bangkok’s message is clear: Until All of Us Are Free. The Heart of Pride in Asia Bangkok Pride describes its bid as “The Heart of Pride in Asia”, with the ambition of using WorldPride not simply as a major event but as a platform capable of creating a long-term impact for the global LGBTQ+ movement. The bid is community-led and rights-based. Bangkok Pride, operated by Naruemit Pride, works alongside the Pride City Network Thailand, connecting LGBTQIAN+ communities across Thailand and taking the movement far beyond the streets of Bangkok. That national dimension could be one of the most significant parts of Bangkok WorldPride Although Bangkok would host the flagship events, the organisers envisage Pride activity spreading around Thailand through the Pride City Network. Government reporting in 2026 described a network involving 58 pilot provinces, designed to advance gender equality and strengthen Thailand's preparations for the WorldPride bid. WorldPride in Bangkok could therefore become an opportunity to introduce an international audience not only to Bangkok's LGBTQ+ community, but to the diversity of queer communities across Thailand. A country transformed by marriage equality Bangkok's campaign also arrives at an important moment in Thailand's LGBTQ+ history. Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, a milestone repeatedly highlighted by those supporting the WorldPride campaign. Thailand has also pointed to its participation in international human-rights initiatives, including the United Nations Human Rights Council and Equal Rights Coalition, as part of the wider context surrounding the bid. Bangkok Pride says its movement continues to advocate for issues including marriage equality, legal gender recognition and inclusive welfare. The proposal therefore presents WorldPride 2030 not as the end of Thailand's equality journey, but as another stage of it. An opening built around equality If Bangkok is chosen, the proposed WorldPride programme would begin with an Opening Ceremony at Benjakitti Park. One of the most striking elements currently proposed is a daytime mass wedding, transforming Thailand's marriage-equality milestone into a celebration on the WorldPride stage. The wider opening programme is intended to bring together people from different identities and backgrounds, including Indigenous communities, older people and people with disabilities. The evening would then turn the occasion into an international celebration, setting the tone for the fortnight ahead. At its heart would be the promise running through Bangkok's entire bid: Until All of Us Are Free. Pride Vibe @ Bangkok Benjakitti Park would also become home to Pride Vibe @ Bangkok. Built around the concept “Free to Be”, Pride Vibe is envisioned as an experiential space where people of different genders, generations and family structures can come together. Rather than Pride being something simply watched from behind a barrier, the concept aims to create shared public spaces in which people can participate, connect and celebrate their identities. It demonstrates an important theme running throughout the Bangkok proposal: WorldPride should have room for everyone. Pride Game: sport and esports join WorldPride WorldPride Bangkok would also embrace sport. The proposed Pride Game includes both a Pride Sport Arena and Pride Esport Arena, creating inclusive environments in which people can participate regardless of gender, age or background. Its focus is on breaking down physical and gender barriers while celebrating teamwork, strategy, creativity and dedication. Including esports alongside conventional sporting activities also gives Bangkok an opportunity to create a WorldPride programme reflecting contemporary Asian and global culture. Pride Disability Expo: putting accessibility centre stage Accessibility is another major component of the proposal. The Pride Disability Expo — Universal Design, planned for True Digital Park, would focus on innovation capable of creating a more accessible world. Startups, creators and changemakers would be invited to demonstrate solutions based around Universal Design, with the aim of empowering people with disabilities and making participation in society more inclusive. It means accessibility would not simply be treated as an operational requirement behind WorldPride. It would become part of the programme itself. That matters. A WorldPride claiming to represent the diversity of the global LGBTQ+ community also needs to recognise the intersecting experiences of disabled LGBTQ+ people. WorldPride goes to Government House Another proposed moment would take WorldPride into one of Thailand's most symbolic institutions. WorldPride Welcome at Government House is planned to combine international equality, diplomacy, youth participation and culture. The programme envisages a Rainbow Parliament, an InterPride Welcome Reception and a Youth Pride Sandbox, creating opportunities for political, community and youth voices to meet. Thailand's national government has publicly backed the country's candidature, alongside the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and organisations including the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau. Human rights at the centre The parties, performances and parade may attract some of the biggest crowds, but Bangkok's proposal deliberately places human rights at the centre of WorldPride. A major Human Rights Forum at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) would bring together activists, campaigners and changemakers from around the world. Importantly, Bangkok proposes to connect the experiences of LGBTQ+ movements in Asia and the Global South with the wider international conversation. The forum would feed into Bangkok Action 2030, envisaged by the organisers as a lasting roadmap for cross-border solidarity and structural change. This could give an Asian WorldPride significance far beyond Thailand. For LGBTQ+ people living in countries where equality remains distant — or where their identity can still expose them to discrimination or criminalisation — bringing one of the world's most visible LGBTQ+ gatherings to Asia would carry enormous symbolism. Celebrating Thailand's drag culture WorldPride would naturally have plenty of entertainment — and Thailand's internationally recognised drag scene would have its own place within the programme. Drag Xperience would take audiences behind the scenes of Thai drag. Rather than concentrating only on the finished performance, visitors would discover the craft that goes into creating it: makeup and illusion, costume, character creation and performance itself. It would allow WorldPride visitors to experience drag not simply as nightlife, but as an art form requiring creativity, technical ability and dedication. Thailand's LGBTQ+ stories on the international screen Film and television form another major part of the proposal. The Pride Content Experience × TILFF would coincide with the seventh edition of Thailand's international LGBTQIAN+ film and television festival. Bangkok Pride says the programme would help position Thailand as a global LGBTQIAN+ content hub, while supporting investment and sustainable development within the country's creative and Pink Economy. That feels particularly appropriate for Thailand. Thai LGBTQ+ entertainment already reaches audiences far beyond the country's borders. WorldPride could provide an even bigger international platform for Thai filmmakers, actors, writers, producers and other creatives while creating connections with LGBTQ+ storytellers from around the world. Pride and faith One of the more distinctive proposals is Pride Interfaith. Religion and LGBTQ+ identity can have a complicated relationship, and Bangkok's programme proposes creating a space where LGBTQ+ people from different religions and belief systems can explore faith and identity together. Personal stories, creative expression, workshops and spiritual practices would encourage listening, understanding and mutual respect. It is another example of Bangkok attempting to make WorldPride a place for conversations that are sometimes difficult but important. Then comes the Bangkok WorldPride Parade And, of course, there would be a parade. The proposed Bangkok WorldPride Parade at Sanam Luang would be one of the centrepieces of the entire fortnight. Bangkok's concept expands the parade's message beyond sexuality and gender identity to connect LGBTQ+ equality with wider questions including labour dignity, ecological justice, bodily autonomy, peace and interfaith understanding. Bangkok has already demonstrated its ability to stage Pride on a huge scale. The 2026 Bangkok Pride Festival included a rainbow parade stretching almost five kilometres, while also incorporating Thai cultural elements into the celebrations. WorldPride would take that experience onto an entirely different international stage. Imagine Bangkok filled with LGBTQ+ people and allies from Thailand, across Asia and around the world, marching together under one message: Until All of Us Are Free. A spectacular finale on the Chao Phraya Bangkok's proposed WorldPride would finish beside one of the defining features of the city: the Chao Phraya River. A Closing & Handover Ceremony at ICONSIAM would combine the traditional WorldPride host-flag handover with light, sound and sensory experiences. The proposal also promises eco-conscious innovations as part of the production, tying the finale into the wider sustainability ambitions of the bid. Against Bangkok's skyline and the Chao Phraya, it has the potential to provide an extraordinary final image of WorldPride 2030. But the intention is that the story would not finish when the lights go out. Legacy is fundamental to Bangkok's proposal. WorldPride beyond Bangkok Perhaps the biggest opportunity offered by the bid is contained in its name but extends far beyond it. This is Bangkok's candidature, but its ambitions are national and regional. Thailand's Pride City Network is intended to strengthen LGBTQ+ communities and equality initiatives across the country. Bangkok Pride says that, should the city host WorldPride, activity would extend beyond the capital, with side events envisaged in locations including Chiang Mai and the Isan region. That creates the possibility of WorldPride visitors discovering LGBTQ+ Thailand beyond Bangkok while allowing communities elsewhere in the country to participate in a global event. It could also leave behind networks and relationships long after 2030. The Pink Economy There is also an economic dimension. Thailand's government and bid partners have highlighted the potential for WorldPride to strengthen international tourism, the meetings and events sector, creative industries and Thailand's Pink or Rainbow Economy. Bangkok already possesses extensive tourism infrastructure. The official bid website says Thailand has more than 200,000 hotel rooms, alongside the transport, hospitality, entertainment and event infrastructure required to welcome visitors on a very large scale. But the economic opportunity extends beyond hotels and airlines. Restaurants, bars, independent businesses, designers, performers, filmmakers, venues, tourism operators and LGBTQ+-owned businesses could all potentially benefit from the international attention surrounding WorldPride. For Thailand's creative industries in particular, WorldPride could provide a global shop window. Peace. People. Pride. Thailand's preparations for its candidature have also been promoted around three words: Peace. People. Pride. Peace represents the ambition for a society without discrimination and with safe spaces for everyone. People represents equal respect for human rights and human dignity. Pride represents confidence in identity and diversity — and the contribution diversity can make to society and the creative economy. Those principles complement the central WorldPride bid message of “Until All of Us Are Free.” Together they underline what Bangkok is attempting to achieve: not simply a bigger Pride festival, but an event combining celebration with activism and leaving something meaningful behind. A gateway to Asia There have been WorldPrides in Europe, North America and Australia, with Cape Town set to host WorldPride 2028 in Africa. There has never been a WorldPride in Asia. Bangkok therefore offers something historically significant. An Asian WorldPride could give greater international visibility to LGBTQ+ people across a region containing an enormous range of cultures, religions, political systems and experiences of LGBTQ+ life. It could provide a platform for communities whose stories have not always received the same attention within the international Pride movement. And it could connect activists, Pride organisations and LGBTQ+ people across Asia with counterparts from every corner of the world. Why g10 group is backing Bangkok g10 group has already announced its support for Bangkok Pride's campaign to bring WorldPride to Thailand. Our support is about more than Bangkok being an extraordinary destination. It is about what an Asian WorldPride could represent. It is about giving LGBTQ+ communities across Asia a bigger place within the global Pride conversation. It is about recognising Thailand's journey towards equality while acknowledging that the work towards full equality does not end with marriage. It is about celebrating Thai LGBTQ+ culture, creativity and community. And it is about an opportunity for people from around the world to meet, learn from each other, celebrate together and build connections that survive long after WorldPride ends. Bangkok's bid combines the spectacular with the serious: a mass wedding and opening celebration; Pride Vibe; sport and esports; disability inclusion; Government House; a global Human Rights Forum; drag; LGBTQ+ film and television; interfaith dialogue; a WorldPride parade; and a closing celebration beside the Chao Phraya. Behind all of those individual events sits a much bigger ambition. To make Bangkok the Heart of Pride in Asia and use WorldPride as a platform for lasting change. Bangkok Pride's candidature has now been formally presented to InterPride. The WorldPride 2030 bidding process is closed, with Bangkok and Barcelona having presented proposals to the international Pride organisation. InterPride members ultimately select WorldPride host cities. For g10 group, our position has already been made clear. We back Bangkok Pride. We back the ambition to bring WorldPride to Asia for the first time. We back the opportunity to put Asian LGBTQ+ voices on one of the biggest Pride stages in the world. And we will be following Bangkok's journey towards WorldPride 2030. Bangkok 2030. Until All of Us Are Free.

Interview with Tim Kusters Mr. Gay Europe 2023- 2024 Tell us about Voices of Strength voices of pride? “Voices of Strength, Faces of Pride” is a global platform that celebrates the strength, diversity, and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. By giving ambassadors and organizations greater visibility, we highlight the positive impact they are making around the world. In addition, we foster a community of like-minded individuals who come together to create meaningful change. What made you come up with the idea? I have been advocating for equality and acceptance for many years, with a strong focus on mental health and suicide prevention, LGBTQIA+ parenting, sexual health, and overall representation. Through my experience as an ambassador and being openly out for the past 15 years, I have come to feel that we sometimes focus too much on the negative aspects, rather than on the incredible work being done around the world to fight inequality, discrimination and building safe spaces. In August 2025, I had the pleasure of organizing Mr. Gay Europe 2025 in Amsterdam together with a dear friend. There, I was reminded by all the finalists of the powerful initiatives they were leading and the motivation they had to drive real change. This experience marked the beginning of Voices of Strength, Faces of Pride. I wanted to showcase their stories, as well as those of other ambassadors, and highlight these inspiring initiatives, hoping to encourage others to do the same. What do you hope to achieve from the project? By giving visibility to ambassadors and organizations that are actively driving change, I aim to highlight the positive impact already happening within the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide. Ultimately, the goal is to build a supportive, like-minded community that inspires others to take action, strengthens existing initiatives, and contributes to greater equality, acceptance, and well-being for all. How can people get involved? People can get involved by supporting and amplifying the voices of ambassadors and organizations featured on the platform, sharing their stories within their own networks, and actively engaging with the community. Individuals and organizations are also encouraged to submit their own initiatives, collaborate on projects, and contribute ideas that help drive positive change. By working together, we can strengthen existing efforts and inspire others to take action for equality and acceptance. If you are involved in meaningful advocacy and would like to be featured on our platform, please visit https://www.voicesofstrengthfacesofpride.com/ and fill out the contact form. Be sure to also follow our new Instagram account, @voicesofstrengthfacesofpride.

Interview with UK based singer Jack Bruce who talks about his music For those who don't know you introduce yourself "I’m Jack Bruce. I’m a Pop Country artist originally from London, now based in Kent. I’m also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, and I try to bring that authentic perspective into my music. For me, it’s about taking those classic country storytelling roots and giving them a fresh, modern pop edge." You have a brand new song out called Devil's child what is the song about? "It actually came from a very specific night out in Soho. I was at G-A-Y with a friend who was starting to get a bit of fame as an actress. We’d had a few too many drinks and were asked to leave, but she used her name to get herself back in and ended up leaving me outside on my own. I sat on the train from Charing Cross back to Greenwich and started writing right then and there. The song is about that person who looks incredible on the outside—someone polished and beautiful—but underneath, they’re only looking out for themselves. Like the lyrics say, she isn’t going to stick around once she’s finished with you. It’s that 'Devil in disguise' vibe." How can people purchase the song? "You can just search 'Jack Bruce Devil’s Child' on Spotify, Amazon Music, or iTunes—it’s also on YouTube. It’s also available in the music libraries on TikTok and Instagram, so I’d love to see people using it in their videos. Honestly, the biggest support right now is just people adding it to their personal playlists and sharing it. It makes a massive difference for independent artists like me." If anyone wants to follow my journey, you can find me on Instagram and TikTok @thisisjackbruce—everyone is welcome!" So the new year has just started a new single is out what other plans have you got in 2026? "It’s going to be a big year. I’m currently writing some songs for my debut EP, which I’m hoping to have out later this year—I have two songs that I’m working on right now that I'm really excited about. I’m also looking to start playing some live gigs, and I would love the opportunity to play some festivals this summer. Outside of the music, my sister and I have just started a podcast called 'Getting to Know Me.' It’s a space where we sit down with other musicians and people who work in the entertainment industry to find out their story and give them a platform to share their journeys. It’s all about building that community and getting to know the people behind the art."

You’ve built a strong presence as a model and pageant titleholder — what first inspired you to step into the world of LGBTQ+ representation and visibility? What inspired me is that watching RuPaul drag race, seeing all the queens from different cultures and being able to be themselves and tell their stories on how different cultures accepts the LGBTQ+ communities and how inspiring every story is. Also the modelling industry and the pageant industry works with a lot of gay men, watching gay men in Pageantry, modelling and how they strut the stage, it really inspired me to do the same today. I believe that being yourself is more beautiful and to be able to show the world that you are brave and strong with being your unique self. I also wanted to show young gay men that it's ok not to accepted because you are not alone as there is others who struggles like you and that you don't need to hide for yourself who you are. As i have a learning disability also, so i wanted to challenge my self that my disability is my ability to shine today. Winning the titles of Mr Diamond Ireland and Mr Shining Light UK Forever is a major achievement. What did those moments mean to you personally and professionally? Those moments that is something I will always carry with me and being able to be my self on stage and wear my evening gown is the most memorable moments of my life, i wouldn't change it for the world, its not just achievement, it is a long lasting life time memory. As I almost cried because I could step on stage and shine the unique person i am today. How has your experience in the modelling industry shaped your confidence and identity as an LGBTQ+ individual? My experiences in the modeling industry has shaped, my confidence and identity in so many ways, they made me very individual, they made me stand out, I have been very clear and it shows, I have been bold on my choices on my style and creative ideas as it shows on the photos and poses that I do. I'm very confident in my own skin and will not turn away from any challenges and not scared to be myself and proud to be an LGBTQ and I show these into my work and my confidence just grows every single time In a photoshoot and I like to stand strong as an LGBTQ+ and be confident in my own images and for others that feels the same way and that needs confidence I hope to inspire every young gay guy out there. With all the experiences in the modeling industry It has given me confidence to want inspire in many individuals. Representation matters deeply in media and fashion. What changes would you still like to see within the UK modelling and entertainment industries? I would really love to see more paid jobs for the freelance models, seeing more short models on the runway. Giving more opportunities for people to shine. To have more queer representations both modelling industry and entertainment industry. I also want to see more story's of queer individuals on tv, commercials and interviews. Being in entertainment industry we want not just a story but a person who has came from different background not just to inspire others but show as individuals that their not the only ones going through what you go through in life. Social media plays a huge role in personal branding today. How do you balance authenticity with maintaining a public image online? I've always stayed true to my self by just being honest to all the things I post on social media, not just being professional but being authentic me also showing it all in my images on how I create my photos and videos that's all me just being myself . I don't always keep it professional because I'm a human being too and i like to be authentic to myself. Is what you see and is what you get and I'm proud of that and post what's on your mind and how you feel. Have you faced any challenges or discrimination during your journey, and how did you overcome them? I was discriminated as a model by a photographer saying that my work was too gay and the photographer didn't want to work with me. I didn't let that take my shine away so I continued to to show others that breaking boundaries and being unique in your own creative way was more beautiful, I stand up for myself and what I believed in because people's opinions they don't matter as long your happy for who you are and what you create in your platform. Not many agree for the things you do but as long other's believes In you and they get inprsied by you then don't let others opinions affect you because you make a difference in someone's lives. What message do you hope young LGBTQ+ people take away when they see your work and achievements? I want the young LGBTQ+ to take away from this is to never be afraid to be yourself, to challenge yourself and be confident in your own skin. Stand up for what you believe in because this will help you along the way with the direction you want to go to. Always just be honest to all the people you meet and work with. Do a lot of research and explore different types of genre in modelling. In Pageantry find the right pageant system that suits your personality and how you want yourself to be represented. Never let anyone dim your light, always just keep moving forward and surround yourself with good people who truly accepts you for who you are. Also take sometime for yourself to look after your own mental health and find to recharge yourself and don't burn out. Beyond modelling and pageantry, are there any advocacy projects, charities, or community initiatives you’re passionate about supporting? This year I have won the title Mr Diamond Ireland 2026 and I'm truly excited to be able to fundraise for my chosen charity which is The Rainbow Project which is a charity that supports lives in the LGBTQ+ community in Northern Ireland . The charity that is close to my heart and I truly care for, as a gay men supporting this charity and being able to make a impact and raise that awareness in the community is something I truly value because as part of the LGBTQ+ community we face so many challenges and discrimination in different parts of the world . The service they provide for the community Co-cultural counselling •Hate Crime Advocacy •Free sexual health testing and advice •Trans Swimming Project •Cancer Champions •Gay Ethnic Community •Campaigning for a better Northern Ireland for our LGBTQ+ community The LGBTQ+ community in the UK continues to evolve culturally and politically. What conversations do you think are most important right now? While the LGTBQA community within the UK and Ireland has developed a rich community culturally, there is still work to be done politically. While we have grown past the shadows of the past, and have been accepted by the wider community, there is still political work to be done, particularly supporting the Trans community. We need to be politically active and more politically aware of the struggles our Trans friends still face. We cannot sit by while bigoted views regarding puberty blockers and antiquated views on biological sex still pose real threats to their true identities. Hate crimes against Trans individuals and against our whole community still loom large, especially here in Northern Ireland. It’s important that we all continue to work with local and national advocacy groups and political parties until we are all safe from prejudice. Together we can work to not just have pride in ourselves, but pride in our shared community, and pride in the future of our country. Looking ahead, what are your next goals — whether in modelling, media, advocacy, or personal growth? My goal is to work hard on my Pageant journey, make a lot of appearances and to raise awareness that being your unique self is more beautiful and raises as much money for my chosen charity before i go to the international stage next year to complete for an international title and to represent Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Philippines in the international stage also in modelling to keep breaking those boundaries and keep creating ideas that brings out the best of me.

You've travelled from Australia to build your career in Europe. How has that journey shaped your sound, and what have you discovered about the different dance music cultures along the way? It's reshaped everything, honestly. Australian club culture gave me my foundation — that sense of freedom and community on the dancefloor. But European audiences listen differently; there's a depth of house music history here that sharpens you as an artist. I've found that the emotional language of the dancefloor translates everywhere, even when the cultural details differ. That universality is something I've come to really value. You've spoken about house music as a force that connects people. What is it about house that creates such a powerful sense of unity on the dancefloor? There's something about the repetition and the groove — it pulls people into the same rhythm, literally and emotionally. House music doesn't ask you to perform or impress anyone; it just asks you to move and connect. That simplicity is what dissolves the barriers between strangers and turns a room full of individuals into something collective. The dancefloor has long been a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ communities. What responsibility, if any, do DJs have in protecting and nurturing those spaces today? A real one. The dancefloor has always been one of the few places where queer people could exist completely freely, and that's not something to take for granted — especially now. As a DJ, I see it as my job to protect that energy: to read the room, hold space, and make sure the set itself reflects safety, freedom, and joy rather than just entertainment. Your sets often feel like they're telling a story rather than simply playing tracks. How do you approach creating an emotional journey for your audience? I think about a set the way you'd think about a narrative arc — tension, build, release, reflection. I'm reading the crowd constantly and adjusting in real time, but I always want there to be a sense of movement, not just a string of good tracks. The three-deck mashups help with that — they let me create transitions and emotional shifts that feel unexpected but intentional whilst providing that future nostalgic feeling that takes people back to a time that they fondly remember. Many people describe dancing as a spiritual or healing experience. Have you ever witnessed a moment behind the decks that reminded you just how transformative music can be? Many times, but there's always a specific kind of moment — where you look out and see someone completely lost in the music, eyes closed, hands-in-the-air, just present. You can feel when a track has reached past the surface and touched something real in people. Those are the moments that remind you why this work matters and its not just pushing buttons and turning knobs! House music was born from Black, queer, and underground communities. How important is it for today's artists to honour those roots while continuing to evolve the genre? I think it’s essential. House music exists because of those communities, and that history isn't a footnote — it's the foundation of everything the genre has become. As artists evolve the sound, I think it's important to stay conscious of where it came from and who created the culture we get to be part of, rather than treating it as something disconnected from its origins. As an Australian living and performing across Europe and the UK, what differences have you noticed in club culture, and what lessons do you think each scene could learn from the other? The geography really does shape the culture. In Europe and the UK, you've got Ibiza, Amsterdam, and decades of house music history right on your doorstep — labels like Defected and Glitterbox have built entire movements around that proximity, and audiences have grown up immersed in it. There's a real appetite for discovery; people come out wanting to hear something new. Australia's distance from that ecosystem creates a different relationship with the music. Commercial radio plays a bigger role in shaping what people want to hear on a night out, so there's often a preference for familiarity over exploration. I understand why — without that constant exposure to the wider house scene, it's harder to build the same culture of discovery. If anything, I'd love to see more of that European appetite for new sounds find its way into Australian clubs — there's so much incredible music being made that deserves a wider audience there too. The electronic music world is changing rapidly with social media, streaming, and AI. What do you believe will always remain irreplaceable about the shared experience of a live dancefloor? The physical, collective presence of it. No algorithm or screen can replicate the feeling of being in a room where everyone's nervous system is synced to the same rhythm. That shared, embodied experience is something technology can amplify but never actually recreate. Pride celebrations are often filled with music, joy, and community. What does Pride mean to you personally, and how does that influence the energy you bring to your performances? Pride is about visibility and unapologetic joy — being fully yourself without needing to explain it. But what I think about just as much is belonging, and making sure that belonging extends to everyone in the room, including our allies. The dancefloor works best when it doesn't feel like a space you have to qualify for — when straight friends, family, and allies who show up to celebrate with us feel just as woven into he energy as anyone else. That's something I try to carry into every Pride set. It's not about creating an exclusive moment; it's about creating a genuinely inclusive one, where the joy and freedom we as a community have always found on the dancefloor is something everyone in the room gets to feel part of. That's when Pride is at its most powerful — when belonging isn't conditional, it's just the atmosphere of the whole night. If someone stepped onto one of your dancefloors carrying the weight of the world, what would you hope they felt by the time your final track faded out? Held, even if just for those hours. I'd want them to leave feeling like they'd been part of something, like whatever they walked in carrying had space to loosen its grip, even briefly. That's the quiet power of a good night — it doesn't fix anything, but it reminds you that release and connection are still possible. Finally, what's next for DJ Du Jour? Are there any upcoming releases, collaborations, or performances you'd like the g10 Group audience to know about? There's new music on the way, building on the direction I set with "You See Me," along with a growing run of performances across Europe this season. I'm especially focused on continuing to show up in queer and Pride spaces — those rooms mean the most to me, and that's where I want to keep deepening my presence.