Feature on Kent's first LGBTQ+ cricket group and how you can get involved Kent’s First LGBTQ+ Cricket Team/Club We caught up with ambassador and member Jordan Chan to find out all about the club What first inspired you to get involved with cricket, and how did you find your way to Invicta Icons? As a Director of Swale Pride I was initially approached to attend a Pride Cricket Match at the Canterbury and Kent home ground, which introduced me to the Kent Cricket Foundation, who were keen to make cricket more inclusive across Kent for the LGBTQ+ community, when they launched their 6 session taster programme they reached out for me to help advertise across my platforms that included my own personal and Queer Kent Life (a Instagram page that advertises and creates safe and inclusive spaces, events, prides, businesses and services for the LGBTQ community in Kent) and to attend the sessions. To be honest I didn’t think I liked sports, as a kid PE and sports environments were always toxic and unwelcoming spaces, it wasn’t until I attended the sessions that I found a love for sports and cricket in my adult life. From the sessions and working with allies and members of LGBTQ+ community, Jack Kellam, Marcus Law and Thom Waters (who previously led a temporary LGBTQ+ team to cup victory) the Invicta Icons Cricket Team/Club was created with our own logo, Kit, Instagram and soon to be website. As an ambassador for the club, what does your role involve day-to-day? My role as the ambassador the Invicta Icons involves community engagement and outreach to help spread awareness of the club in the LGBTQ+ community of Kent. I look after the social page, and help with advertisement and getting sponsorship for the club that helps pay for safety equipment, Kit, and training space charges. We offer Gold, Silver and Bronze packages, LGBTQ+ owned businesses and venues that have sponsored are Cafe Nucleus our Gold Sponsor, and La Margate and Margate Beach Club as our silver sponsors with a number of LGBTQ+ venues in discussions to sponsor too. How important is representation in sports, particularly in cricket, for the LGBTQ+ community? Representation and visibility is vital, especially in sports. We hope that raising awareness of the Invicta Icons Cricket Club, that provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive space encourages more people to get involved and discover a love for cricket. There is so much untapped talent in Kent that is awaiting to be discovered! What has been your most memorable moment playing with Invicta Icons so far? My most memorable moment was sharing the news of sponsorship and showing the team their our new logo, banners, Instagram and training kits to show we mean business! The overall experience with this club has been brilliant and I know members of this team will become life long friends. Have you faced any challenges as an LGBTQ+ cricketer, and how has the club helped address them? I’ve been really fortunate that I haven’t come across any challenges within the club and that the club coaches, founders and members look out for one another, and have every confidence that if anything were to occur, they would take immediate appropriate action and safeguard. How do you think inclusive teams like yours are changing the culture of cricket in the UK? We are the first LGBTQ+ Cricket team in Kent and join around small group of other clubs across the country. Having a club in Kent and joining other LGBTQ+ clubs, shows mainstream cricket that there is a need to make cricket more accessible and inclusive! What would you say to someone in the LGBTQ+ community who’s thinking about trying cricket for the first time? If you’re in Kent, come along and say hi, there is no pressure to play or get involved straight away, but come and meet the team, watch us train and play I promise you won’t regret it! What goals or ambitions do you have personally within the sport? My goal is to help the team grow and future proof themselves, creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ of Kent to learn and play cricket, helping discovery existing and untapped talent, win a cup and show future LGBTQ+ generations and current community that there is space for them! Where do you see Invicta Icons in the next few years, and what impact do you hope it will have? I see the Invicta Icons becoming a fully fledged cup winning LGBTQ+ safe haven and power house in Kent, that is showing mainstream cricket and other sports that the LGBTQ+ community matter, and that inclusivity is vital to ensure everyone has access to sporting opportunities, and should feel safe and shown the same respect and dignity of anyone else to ensure equality for all. www.instagram.com/invictaiconscricketclub

Charlton Invicta FC continues to grow year on year. How proud are you to be launching the club fourth team, the new Development Team – the Charlton Robins? I think its fantastic to be in a position where we can offer a developmental space for beginner players to get involved. We have grown so much, and we have so many volunteers who really want to drive the Invicta forwards. Having a development group means we can encourage more LGBTQ+ players toget involved in football and with Invicta. What is the vision behind the Charlton Robins, and why was now the right time to introduce a dedicated development team? The vision behind the Charlton Robins is to encourage as many LGBTQ+ people as possible to get into playing football or back into playing football. Football (like many team sports) can be a daunting experience for many LGBTQ+ people, especially at a young age. This can be off putting. Our development group is being launched for people to come along, train, work on skills, meet likeminded individuals in a less intense, less competitive, more fun, more socialable and inclusive setting where mistakes can be made – it’s a learning space. We want people to develop their skills, build, or rebuild their confidence, get active and just enjoy football. Who is the Charlton Robins aimed at, and what opportunities will it create for players who want to get involved in LGBTQ+ football? The Charlton Robins will be aimed at anyone who’s never played football before or has played but doesn’t like the overly competitive nature of football or hasn’t played for a long time and just wants to ease themselves back into the game in a less intense space. Our coaches are here to help you grow. How do you see the Charlton Robins strengthening the pathway for players, both on and off the pitch, within Charlton Invicta FC? Ideally the Robins will be a platform to us to allow LGBTQ+ people to get back into or into football for the first time and if they choose to do so they can progress upwards into our more competitive teams playing in the London Unity League or Gay Football Supporters Network. What impact do you hope this new team will have on the wider LGBTQ+ community and grassroots football across South-East London? I hope that establishing a development team will representing another open door advert to LGBTQ+ people across South-East London to get involved in football without the game being driven solelt by results as many football clubs operate based on results and trophies – our focus for the Robins team is on development and enjoyment above anything else. Charlton Invicta has always been about more than football. How does launching the Robins reinforce the clubs commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and community? It really is another big reason why Invicta is a football club second. Friendships, exercise, mental and physical wellbeing, bringing people together and enhancing local communities is what has made Invicta so special over the years. I think this really does show how enthusiastic and committed we are to offering more people the chance to get involved, make friends, enhance social networks, and get active in an inclusive encouraging environment. Making football for everyone really is in our DNA. For someone whos never played for an LGBTQ+ football club before, what would you say to encourage them to come along and give the Charlton Robins a try? I know football can be off putting for many LGBTQ+ people. I stopped playing when I was 18 and never got back into the game until I was 31. The last 12 years playing for Charlton Invicta FC havegiven me some of my most joyous occasions. I even met my fiancé through LGBTQ+ football. How can people get involved with the Charlton Robins, whether they're experienced players, complete beginners, or even interested in volunteering and supporting the club? So, anyone interested in getting involved with our Charlton Robins Development Team can just each out on our Instagram @cactinvictafc or email us at information@cactinvictafc.com . This includes anyone keen on getting into football or back in football in a playing aspect, supporting, or volunteering. Our Club and Teams are run entirely by volunteers who give up their free time to make football a game for everyone. With four teams now representing Charlton Invicta FC, what does this milestone say about the club's growth and its relationship with Charlton Athletic? The Club has grown rapidly since the Covid Lockdowns. We established two teams in the summer of 2021 due to the number of people wanting to get involved after the lockdowns. I think the impact of having little or no outdoor activities was a driving force behind this. It took us a while to get two teams settled down but since 2023 this has worked well. The GFSN Team is more sociable playing on Saturdays across the UK and Ireland has grown since we first entered in 2019 and we’ve competed well in all competitions finishing as cup runners-up in 2024 and league runners up this season. Now that we are adding a developmental space is a huge sign of our growth but also to the increased visibility on LGBTQ+ football in South-East London since our affiliation to Charlton Athletic Community Trust and Charlton Athletic FC in 2017. Being able to use the Clubs platforms to share player stories and support campaigns and visibility days has meant that more people are seeing LGBTQ+ within professional football stadiums, match day programmes and on their vast social media platforms. The Club and Trusts commitment to LGBTQ+ has given us the platform to continue to expand our offerings. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for Charlton Invicta FC over the next few years, and what message would you like to share with anyone thinking about joining the club? Our aim is always to grow football opportunities for LGBTQ+ people. With the support of Charlton Athletic Community Trust and Charlton Athletic FC we have the stability and platforms to continue to expand our offerings. We never know where this will lead or how far we can grow – but for now this is one of the most exciting times to get involved and as we move into our 10 th season since affiliating to Charlton Athletic FC family the future really does look bright for Invicta. Elliott Webb (he/him) “Becoming a manager for The Robins development team is a rewarding opportunity to support players both on and off the pitch, helping to create an inclusive, welcoming environment where individuals can develop their football skills, build confidence, and feel part of a supportive community. I can't wait to get involved and show what the Robins can do and see how far they can go!”

For readers who may be discovering you for the first time, how would you describe yourself and your career journey so far? I’ve been surrounded by music for as long as I can remember. As a child, I loved listening to my mum sing — she had a beautiful voice — and we always had great music playing at home, so I think that love of music was planted in me very early on. At school I was involved in musicals, and after winning a talent competition I started to take music even more seriously. I went on to study Drama at college until I was 20, and from there I began doing session work and really honing my craft. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to work across so many different styles — Pop, Soul, Funk, even World Music, which was all before House Music became such a huge part of my life! I’ve been in various bands, worked with some incredible producers and artists, and gradually built a career that has taken me to some amazing places. A real game changer came when I was 27 and had the hit with Bizarre Inc. That was the moment things changed dramatically for me. It opened the door to television work and, more importantly, meant I could finally give up my part-time catering and cleaning jobs and actually sustain myself professionally as a vocalist. That was a very special moment because music was no longer something I was trying to fit around my life — it had become my life. There have been so many chapters since then that I couldn’t possibly squeeze them all into one answer, but what I can say is that my career has always been incredibly creative, sometimes completely unexpected, and always driven by my love of music. I’ve self-managed for most of my career, which has taught me an enormous amount about the business as well as the creative side. These days my husband Mikey manages me, and somehow everything has just clicked into place. After more than 35 years in this business, I feel like I’m in a really exciting chapter of my career — still learning, still creating, still pushing myself and, most importantly, still absolutely loving what I do. So I suppose if I had to describe my journey in a nutshell, I’d say it’s been a long, colourful, slightly bonkers, wonderfully unpredictable love affair with music — and I’m nowhere near finished yet! You’ve had such a varied career in music and entertainment. What have been some of the highlights that you look back on with the most pride? There are so many moments I look back on with pride, but one of the most special has to be performing on Top of the Pops in 1992. That was a childhood dream of mine, and what made it even more precious was that both my mum and dad were alive and well to see it happen. I left Drama school when I was around 20, and it took another seven years of working, learning, grafting and believing in myself to get to that moment. I can still remember my mum being on the phone to family afterwards because everyone was so incredibly happy and proud. To be able to give my parents that moment is something I will always treasure. I’m also incredibly proud to have performed at the Royal Albert Hall. There is something very special about standing on that stage — it’s one of those places where you really feel the history of music around you. And another unforgettable moment was performing at Downing Street during Gordon Brown’s time as Prime Minister. To go from a little girl dreaming about being a singer to finding myself performing in places like that is something I never take for granted. But I think what makes me most proud isn’t necessarily the venues or the television appearances. It’s the journey it took to get there. I’ve had to work incredibly hard, keep picking myself up, keep learning and keep believing in myself. After all these years, I’m still here, still singing and still excited about what comes next — and I think that’s something to be proud of too. What first inspired you to pursue a career in music, and who were some of your biggest influences when you were starting out? Without a doubt, one of my biggest influences was my mum. I loved her singing voice, it was beautiful. When she was a young woman she used to sing in church, and she had a beautiful, powerful voice. She would sing loudly and confidently above everyone else, and I remember people commenting afterwards about how wonderful her voice was. I loved seeing her receive those compliments, and I think somewhere in my little head I started to understand just how special it was to be able to move people with your voice. Music was also everywhere around me growing up. I was glued to the television watching all the great artists of the 60s and 70s — The Beatles, Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, Lulu, The Osmonds and the Jackson 5. I loved all of it! I’ve always had a very eclectic taste in music. I’ve never really wanted to put myself in one particular box, because for me great music is great music, whatever the genre. I think that’s probably stayed with me throughout my career. But if I had to choose the person who really first made me want to sing, it would always be my mum. She was the first voice that inspired me, and probably the first person who made me realise that singing could be something really powerful and joyful that you can share with the World. You’ve built a strong connection with LGBTQ+ audiences. What does the LGBTQ+ community mean to you, and why do you think music is so important in bringing people together? The LGBTQ+ community means a great deal to me. I feel so much love for them, and I’m grateful for the love and support they’ve shown me throughout my career. I’ve always believed that music should bring people together, not divide them. I’m colour-blind when it comes to people. I don’t judge anyone by their colour, gender or sexuality — I just see people, and I believe everyone deserves to live freely, peacefully and with love. We’re all human beings, and we should be celebrating what connects us rather than focusing on what makes us different. That’s what music can do. When people come together at a concert or hear a song that means something to them, all those barriers can disappear. For a few minutes, we’re simply sharing the same feeling, singing the same words and enjoying the same moment. If my music can help people feel accepted, uplifted and connected, then that means everything to me. I just want to spread love, peace and joy, and I hope my music can continue bringing people together. Looking back, was there a particular moment in your career when you realised that music could have a real impact on people’s lives? Oh, yes — absolutely. Yes, yes, yes, all day long! I’ve seen it happen right in front of me. When I’m performing, I can actually feel the energy coming back from the audience. You can see people’s faces change, you can feel the atmosphere lift, and you know that, for that moment, you’ve taken people somewhere else. It’s also what happens afterwards that really touches me. People will come up wanting selfies, wanting to talk to me, wanting to tell me what the music or the performance has made them feel. And then I’ll see the most beautiful, positive and uplifting comments online afterwards. That’s when you realise that what you do has gone beyond simply singing a song. Music is incredibly powerful. It can change your mood, lift you when you’re having a difficult day, bring people together and sometimes even give someone a feeling they didn’t know they needed. That’s one of the reasons I still love performing so much. Yes, I’m there to entertain, but if somebody leaves one of my shows feeling happier, lighter, more energised or simply with a big smile on their face, then I’ve done my job. But that’s the magic of music! What is it like performing for an LGBTQ+ audience, and are there any particular Pride or LGBTQ+ events that stand out in your memory? Performing for an LGBT audience is incredibly special to me. Manchester Pride was one of the first Prides to book me and bring me on board, and I opened or closed the event for seven years, back before it became bigger and more commercialised and started bringing in more expensive artists. I’ll always be grateful to Manchester Pride and to John Barry, who championed me back then as one of their favourite artists. They still support me now, which means a great deal. Manchester Pride definitely stands out as my favourite Pride, partly because of that history and because they believed in me so early on. Of course, I love performing to any audience who appreciates my music, but there’s something particularly powerful about singing to an LGBT audience. I’ve really enjoyed performing “The Real Me”, because it’s a song about refusing to take any more people’s prejudice or negativity. It’s about standing in your truth and not allowing anybody else’s judgement to define you. That’s been amazing to experience at Pride. You can feel that connection with the audience, because so many people understand exactly what that song is about. We’ve all been there and we’ve all suffered pain at various points in our lives and my LGBTQ plus community have all had to deal with prejudice, judgement or people trying to make them feel that they shouldn’t be their authentic selves. So, yes, Manchester Pride definitely stands out for me. It has a very special place in my heart, and performing “The Real Me” to that audience has been incredibly meaningful. Is there a song or performance from your career that holds a particularly special place in your heart — and why? “I’m Gonna Get You” holds a particularly special place in my heart. It came to light in 1992, and it has supported me ever since. That song has been such a constant throughout my career, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything it has brought into my life. There’s something very special about performing a song that people have grown up with and still remember and love all these years later. Whenever I sing “I’m Gonna Get You”, I can feel that connection with the audience straight away. People know the words, they sing along, they dance, and you can see the joy on their faces. It has taken me to so many places and introduced me to so many wonderful people. It’s also given me the opportunity to keep performing and connecting with audiences over the years, which means more to me than I can really put into words. I’m so proud of that song and everything it represents. It’s not just a hit from 1992 — it’s been a huge part of my life and has supported me throughout my career. So, yes, “I’m Gonna Get You” will always have a very special place in my heart. What can fans expect from you over the coming months? Are there any exciting projects, performances or collaborations on the horizon? There’s lots to look forward to over the coming months. I’m continuing to perform and connect with audiences, and I’m excited about the release of ‘The Real Me’ (TRM) and everything developing around it. It’s been wonderful to see how warmly the LGBTQ+ community has embraced TRM. And that support means so much to me, because I’ve always felt a strong connection with the community and the people who have supported my music. I love the freedom, and togetherness around TRM, and seeing people make it their own. they’re feeling it and they understand me when I explain what the song is all about and why l wrote it. So I’m looking forward to sharing more about the project, new music and what’s coming next. I’m so grateful people are still listening and joining me on the journey.So, keep watching this space! There’s plenty more to come, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone. Finally, what advice would you give to young LGBTQ+ people who are hoping to follow their dreams and make a career in music or entertainment? Oh, yes—absolutely! My advice is to be kind, encourage others to pursue their dreams and support people in being true to themselves. Not everyone will reach their goals, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know what’s possible. Be consistent, professional and dedicated—there’s always someone ready to step into your shoes. I respect everyone’s time, energy and investment in me, and I believe that commitment is what gets you noticed. If you enjoy what you do, create good music and appreciate the opportunity, you’re truly fortunate. Finally, thank you to Gavin and everyone at the g10 Group I love this community. You’ve always been kind to me so it’s easy to be kind back… Thank you once again for inviting me to do this interview.

George, for anyone discovering you for the first time, how would you introduce yourself and the different strands of your work? I’m George Windsor, a singer-songwriter and performer from Staffordshire In England. I make pop music with a mix of dance, house and pop-rock influences, while also writing and collaborating for other artists and producers in the UK and especially the US. You’re involved with Inside Baseball, AYO Music Group and Kollective. How do those different projects fit together, and what does each allow you to explore creatively? Inside Baseball and AYO Music Group are part of a publishing and management team, alongside The Music Firm, helping me develop my career and connect with the right creative opportunities. Kollective handles my PPL registrations. I’m really fortunate to have a team spanning both the UK and LA, giving me support and connections on both sides of the Atlantic. Let’s talk about Inside Baseball. What was the original idea behind it, and how has that vision developed since you first became involved? Inside Baseball is one of the publishing partners and has been an important part of my journey as a songwriter and artist. Through that relationship, they connected me with AYO Music Group, who are my newest publishing and management partners. It’s been really exciting to see that relationship develop, particularly with the opportunities and connections it’s opened up for me in LA. What does AYO Music Group represent to you, and what do you think makes its approach to music and artists distinctive? AYO represents a really exciting new chapter for me. They’ve given me the opportunity to expand my work into the US while still having that close connection with my UK team. What I really value is their personal, artist driven approach, they genuinely take the time to understand me as an artist, my goals and where I want to take my music, rather than trying to fit me into a mould, the team behind AYO is phenomenal, you really do have some music industry leaders working from there! Where do you think the biggest opportunities are right now? I think one of the biggest opportunities is being able to build a genuinely global audience without being limited by where you’re based. Social media and streaming allow artists to connect directly with people, while collaborations and international relationships can open up completely new audiences. For me, that UK - US connection is something I’m really excited to explore. Tell us about Kollective. What are you trying to create with the project, and where would you like to see it go over the next few years? Kollective is my neighbouring rights representative rather than a project of my own. They specialise in representing artists and their neighbouring rights, making sure royalties are properly collected and accounted for across different territories. They represent an incomparable roster of artists, including Tom Grennan, MK, Sia and Wiz Khalifa, so I’m thrilled to have them representing my catalogue alongside artists of that calibre. For me, it’s about having the right people looking after an important part of the business behind my music. When you’re deciding whether to work with an artist, creative or project, what catches your attention? Is it talent, originality, personality, potential—or something harder to define? For me, it’s a combination of talent, personality and authenticity. Obviously the music has to excite me or what we are going to create, but I’m also really drawn to people’s experiences and what makes them interesting as individuals. When I’m writing, I’m fascinated by the stories people carry, even the things they might find difficult or vulnerable to talk about. I’d never want to exploit someone’s experiences, but I do think there’s something powerful about turning those stories into music and creating a message that might help someone else feel less alone. There are so many things I notice when I’m writing my own material and working with other people. Chemistry is a big part of it too, you can feel when something just clicks. Ultimately, I’m drawn to people with a unique perspective, something genuine to say and a real passion for what they do. Behind every successful creative project there are usually challenges that audiences never see. What has been one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from building your career so far? One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from making music is that some of the most meaningful songs can come from uncomfortable places. A lot of my writing comes from real experiences, emotions and things I’ve been through or witnessed, and sometimes putting those feelings into a song means being incredibly vulnerable. That can be a challenge, whether it’s me trying to open up to myself and submit to the words, thoughts and sounds, or working with other artists and helping them open up. Sometimes we need to get to the deepest, darkest parts of an experience, and that can be uncomfortable. But as an artist and a writer, I feel it’s my job to take those experiences and turn them into something completely different, a song. That said, I definitely don’t make music that’s all doom and gloom! I’m a pop artist at heart, and I love exploring different sides of pop, whether that’s house, dance, pop-rock or something completely different. Sometimes the inspiration can be deeply personal, and sometimes it’s simply about creating something that makes people want to dance, sing along or have a good time. I think that contrast is what makes someone an artist. Looking at the wider creative industries, do you think there is enough space and support for LGBTQ+ artists, creatives and entrepreneurs—and where would you still like to see progress? I think there is definitely more space and visibility for LGBTQ+ artists and creatives than there was when I first started, which is really positive. But I think there’s still a difference between being visible and being genuinely supported. For me, it’s about creating real opportunities, investing in LGBTQ+ artists, booking them, collaborating with them, giving them platforms and helping them build sustainable careers, rather than just celebrating LGBTQ+ talent during Pride. I’ve experienced some amazing support from the LGBTQ+ communities in Ireland, London and particularly LA, and it’s shown me how powerful that genuine support can be. I’d love to see more of that throughout the industry: not just celebrating LGBTQ+ creatives for who they are, but recognising their talent, their individuality and what they can bring creatively all year round, my favourite LGBTQ+ artists are Justin Tranter, an absolute powerhouse artist, songwriter and producer and Luke Bazulka from the band ‘The Scarlett Opera’ they are US based but my god, they can write and Luka’s voice is second to none. Finally, what’s next for George Windsor? What should people be watching out for from you, Inside Baseball, AYO Music Group and Kollective over the coming year? There’s a lot happening over the next year. Since AYO Music Group brought me to LA, my studio sessions have dramatically levelled up. I’ve been working with some incredible producers and writers, including Willy Beaman, who has an amazing catalogue of credits as a writer, producer and touring musician, and those sessions have really pushed me creatively. LA is going to be a much bigger part of my world moving forward. I’ll be spending a lot more time there, with some incredibly exciting meetings, writing sessions and collaborations already happening behind the scenes. I feel like I’m only just scratching the surface of what’s possible there, and I’m really excited about the relationships we’re building and where they could lead. Alongside that, I have a lot of new music coming out next year, with releases planned throughout the year, as well as more live shows and touring. It feels like I’m entering a really exciting chapter where everything I’ve been building; the music, the songwriting, the international relationships and the team around me, is starting to come together. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes that I can’t talk about yet, but I think people will start to see all of that very soon

You founded HIV The Naked Truth in 2020 with the mission of ending HIV stigma through the arts. What inspired you to combine creativity and activism in this way? As a former dancer I have always loved the arts - it’s the drug that motivated me to thrive and the fact I had a day off in 2020 on world aids day I wanted to create art at its best and it’s grown and grown over last 6 years it’s my baby! As someone living openly with HIV, what has been the most rewarding—and the most challenging—part of sharing your story publicly? I have always been an open book but I thought 5 years after my diagnosis I had nothing to fear and now have a family of people all looking out for each other and thriving with HIV my most beautiful friends are HIV +! Many people still hold outdated views about HIV. What are the biggest misconceptions you encounter today, and how do you hope to change them? That hiv is a death sentence - now on effective treatment you cannot pass the virus on U = U which means undetectable is Untransmittable. Also hiv stigma kills so don’t judge get tested and support us don’t hate us spread love The HIV The Naked Truth Nude Exhibition takes place at Phoenix Art Space in Brighton from 29 July to 2 August 2026. Why did you choose Brighton Pride week as the perfect time and place for this exhibition? Tbh it was the only week available in the galleries schedule but that said it fits in perfect time for Brighton pride the biggest pride festival in the UK and with an important cause to tackle hiv stigma! The exhibition features 14 LGBTQ+ HIV activists photographed nude. What message do you hope visitors take away after experiencing these powerful portraits and the personal stories behind them? I love all my models featured in the exhibit by Rod olukoya the naked body is so powerful and hiv can affect anyone from trans men to trans women to women it’s not just a gay man’s disease we are all equal and beautiful and should not be seen any different Nudity can be seen as both vulnerable and empowering. Why was it important for HIV The Naked Truth to use the naked body as a medium for challenge I think there’s nothing more beautiful than naked bodies of all shapes and sizes and I’m so proud of each model for baring their all for this special exhibit This exhibition supports Positive East and brings together activists from diverse backgrounds. How important is community collaboration in creating lasting change around HIV awareness and acceptance? I think community is key to battling stigma and change and we need work together in partnership and activism if we want to meet our 2030 goal of ending all hiv transmissions in the UK we can all do our part together we are so powerful ! You've had an incredible career as a professional dancer before becoming an HIV activist. How has your background in dance and performance influenced your approach to advocacy? I dreamed a dream of being a professional dancer I was and now my journey has taken me on an unplanned adventure that has taken me places I never dreamt of also met some incredible souls that are have touched me in a way I can’t explain I’m truly blessed! For LGBTQ+ people who have recently been diagnosed with HIV and may be struggling with fear or stigma, what message would you like to share with them today? You are not alone - you will be ok there is support out there for you and you are beautiful and powerful don’t be afraid ! Looking beyond the Brighton exhibition, what is your long-term vision for HIV The Naked Truth, and what does success in ending HIV stigma look like to you? Tbh I’m bipolar and adhd so anything could happen. I don’t know what’s in the bag for HIV the naked truth but I know we aren’t going anywhere as hope to make an impact with my creative team to end hiv stigma one sequin at a Time x

For people meeting you for the first time, who is GIO X, and what story are you telling through your music and art? My music is inspired by living and loving in a big city. There’s a darkness in my debut EP, but there’s beauty in everything if you’re willing to look for it. That’s the story I’m always trying to tell. You describe yourself as an unapologetically queer artist. What does living and creating unapologetically mean to you in 2026? Through my music career, I’ve realised there are three levels of filters when it comes to creativity: people you don’t know, people closest to you, and yourself. All three can be equally hard to please. At some point, I stopped trying to satisfy everyone and focused on what I wanted. If I finish a song, play it back, and it makes me feel something, I release it. And if I change my mind later, that’s fine too. I’ll make the next one better. How has your LGBTQ+ identity influenced your creative process, songwriting, performance style, or visual aesthetic? I come from a pretty conservative background, so expressing myself the way I wanted through art wasn’t always easy. It’s been a long journey. Along the way, I’ve met people who inspired me and encouraged me to put myself out there, and I’m really grateful for that. I think that freedom I’ve found naturally shows up in my music, performances, and visuals. Have there been any artists, activists, or cultural figures who inspired you to embrace your authentic self and pursue your career? Tove Lo. She’s incredibly talented and has the perfect amount of “I don’t give a fuck” energy. She’s just cool. The music industry has evolved significantly in its representation of queer artists. What progress have you seen, and where do you think more change is still needed? There’s always been a bit of irony when it comes to representation in the music industry. Queer people have played a massive role behind the scenes for decades, but we still don’t see enough of them front and centre. The industry will always support what makes money, and a lot of the formulas get repeated. That’s why it’s so important to support local talent. Go to the pubs, go to the small gigs, support your artist friends. Don’t just wait for the next manufactured pop princess to appear at the O2. Many LGBTQ+ young people look to artists for visibility and hope. What message would you like to share with queer people who are still finding their voice? Stop doom-scrolling and start networking with other queer artists. Community can change everything. What has been the most rewarding moment of your journey so far, and what challenges have helped shape you as an artist? Right after lockdown, I performed live for the first time in five years. Friends, family, and even people who didn’t know I was a singer were there. It was nerve-racking, but it was also one of the most rewarding moments of my life. It reminded me how much I love being on stage, and I haven’t stopped since. Your work often celebrates individuality and self-expression. How do you balance being vulnerable in your art while maintaining personal boundaries? I love being open in my music because that’s often where the strongest connections happen. At the same time, I keep some things just for myself. My lyrics are very metaphorical, and I’m not always going to tell you exactly what they mean. Wink, wink. What projects, collaborations, or creative goals are you most excited about right now, and what can your audience expect next from GIO X? I’m headlining the Fetish Awards UK on 11 July at the RVT, which I’m really excited about. I’ve been working on new music and visuals for the show, pushing myself and experimenting in new ways, and I can’t wait for people to experience it. If you could leave one lasting impact on LGBTQ+ culture and the music industry, what would you want your legacy to be? I’d love my legacy to be showing that there’s space for everyone in music. Every song matters, and every project is part of a bigger journey. If my work encourages people to be themselves and take up space unapologetically, that would mean a lot to me. What’s one thing people assume about GIO X that couldn’t be further from the truth? That I’m not socially awkward.

For audiences meeting you for the first time, how would you describe Femme Aldehyde and the creative vision behind your drag persona? Femme Aldehyde is glamorous, powerful, and an unapologetic manifestation of self-expression - to me she represents the aspects of myself, especially my femininity, that I spent most of my adolescence being too scared or nervous to represent and embrace authentically. She gives permission to be everything I want to be - bold, daring, and ultimately, free. Delivering that package wrapped up in six-inch heels and rhinestones, spikes and leather (although, it is typically pleather!) allows the audience to embrace those same aspects of me and feel them for themselves. She lives somewhere between high-fashion fantasy, fierce femininity, and sharp-edged wit. Femme is a culmination of all the strong female influences throughout my life - from Bratz dolls I wanted (but could never have) as a young boy, to my mother and my sister, to pop superstars such as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Ariana Grande. The vision behind Femme has always been to celebrate transformation—not just physical transformation, but the freedom to become the boldest version of yourself. Whether I'm performing, hosting, or making music, I want people to feel empowered to take up space, challenge expectations, and embrace their individuality without apology. The creative vision behind my drag persona is a culmination of all of these aspects, and currently sits at the intersection of fetish-inspired glamour, including visual aspects of "hard and soft" - combinations of leather and lace, spikes and stones, and of course, high-glam makeup. This to me mirrors my current life-stage - a combination of everything that has made me strong, which also allows me to be soft at the core. How has growing up and performing in South Africa influenced your artistry, storytelling, and approach to drag? Growing up and performing in South Africa has shaped everything about my artistry. South Africa is incredibly diverse, resilient, and creative, and those influences naturally find their way into my work. Performing here means understanding different communities, different lived experiences, and the unique challenges LGBTQ+ people still face. It has taught me the importance of authenticity and connection, understanding the different lives of audiences and performers alike, and that my reality is different from the vast majority of LGBTQIA+ people on the continent and in my immediate circle. My drag isn't just about looking beautiful on stage and performing - it's about telling stories that resonate with people and reflecting the realities, humour, and strength of the communities I come from. Furthermore my drag has become about showing younger queer audiences that they can achieve their dreams to live authentically and express themselves in the fullest range of themselves. My happiest moments in drag have always been having younger queer people come to me after the show and telling me how what I said or did on stage has influenced them or helped them to feel at home within themselves. I didn't always feel at home in myself and drag helped me to rectify that - if i can do that for someone else, i feel as though I have succeeded. The access to drag resources in South Africa is also largely limited by comparison to other countries, and this has influenced me and other performers to be incredibly resourceful and creative in our approach. South African Drag Entertainers are some of the hardest working, creative and ingenuitive drag entertainers on the planet, and it shows in our tenacity, our fight and our hunger to entertain audiences here. You wear many hats—drag entertainer, host, rapper, and performer. How do these different creative outlets complement each other? To me, they're all different languages for telling the same story - my story, I suppose. Hosting allows me to connect directly with audiences and create memorable experiences in real time, as well as flex my comedic chops and make people laugh, which I have always been passionate about. Hosting shows and speaking directly to people welcomes them into your world and demystifies what they are seeing just enough to make them comfortable with the show, but more importantly, it tells them they are here for a good time and that they can enjoy themselves fully. Drag performance, whether it be lip syncing, standup or live music, lets me bring visual storytelling and theatricality to life. I have always been a performer and I think we all perform every single day - performing on stage is just the heightened expression of that daily performance and self-expression. Music, especially rap and my debut single 4+4, gives me a platform to express thoughts and emotions that might not fit into a lip-sync performance. It is something that is uniquely mine, and allows me to connect with audiences. I will never forget performing my song for the first time and the feeling I got seeing audience members rapping along with me and hyping me up while performing. Each discipline strengthens the others. Being a host improves my stage presence, my confidence and my belief in myself. Drag enhances my visual identity as an artist, gives me the armour to express myself as well as my drag persona and have a unique artistic perspective, and the music allows me to share a more personal side of who I am. What role do you think drag plays in advancing LGBTQ+ visibility and representation in South Africa today? Drag has always been about visibility. It creates space for conversations around identity, self-expression, and acceptance in a way that's often joyful, entertaining, and accessible. In South Africa, where legal protections exist but social acceptance can still vary greatly, drag performers often become visible examples of queer excellence and resilience. We challenge stereotypes simply by existing publicly and authentically. I think drag helps humanize LGBTQ+ experiences and reminds people that our community is diverse, talented, and deserving of celebration. I believe that drag artistry, especially in marginalised communities in South Africa, gives other queer people hope that they can live fully as themselves one day. I have personally seen this in many different environments and settings but especially recently with the TV Show Beaulah Queens Van Die Kaap, which documents the lived experiences of coloured drag performers in Cape Town. The impact of that show is seen and felt all over, and gives voice to the particular struggles and experiences of queerness in South Africa, especially as it intersects with racial politics and dynamics of a country still experiencing the ramifications of Apartheid. Homophobia and racism have deep roots in South Africa and linger as a colonial import - drag artistry, especially within POC communities, exist as acts of defiance to the colonial hegemony we still fight today. As a rapper and performer, what messages or themes are most important for you to communicate through your music? Confidence, self-determination, resilience, and authenticity are themes that consistently show up in my music. I want my music to feel empowering. A lot of my work explores taking ownership of your identity, refusing to shrink yourself for other people's comfort, and finding strength in transformation. I also love combining humour, wit, and double entendres with meaningful messages because I believe music can be both entertaining and thought-provoking at the same time. My debut single 4+4 exists as a manifestation of self - it almost started as me telling myself to be all the things I say I am in the song because for the longest time I didn't really believe it. I want other people listening to the song or seeing me performing it live to feel that confidence and that energy that comes from claiming your space and your confidence - especially on days where you don't believe it. My other music (which yes, is coming eventually!) delves deeper into who I am and what I have experienced both in and out of drag. It deals with my perception of myself as a lover and romantic, it deals with the trauma I have experienced as a drag entertainer in the last few years, and it deals with both my inner and outer saboteurs. I hope that, when I eventually release an entire project, people will go on this journey with me and follow the story through to the other side to find themselves and feel the confidence and power making music (and doing drag) has given me. Can you share a career moment that made you realize your work was having a meaningful impact on your audience or community? Being crowned Miss Pretoria Gay Pride 2024 was a particularly meaningful moment for me. While the title itself was an incredible honour, what impacted me most was hearing from people who felt represented, inspired, or encouraged by my journey. Whether it's someone telling me they felt more confident embracing their identity after seeing me perform, or a young queer person saying they finally felt seen, those moments remind me that drag can be about much more than entertainment. When I released my debut single 4+4, I recieved an incredible message from a VERY prominent South African Drag Queen that read "I am so, so proud of you - this just makes me so excited to be a South African Queen. You fucking ate that, this is everything - I love you and I am so proud of you. What this is doing for South African drag is everything - you are inspiring us to do more." That's when I realized the work truly matters. The global drag scene has evolved rapidly in recent years. How do you think South African drag culture differs from or adds to the international conversation? South African drag brings a unique perspective shaped by our cultural diversity, history, and resilience. While international drag often focuses heavily on fashion and competition, South African drag has a strong sense of community and resourcefulness whilst still embodying fashion and competition. Many local performers have learned to create extraordinary art with limited resources, and that creativity is incredibly inspiring. Our drag scene also reflects a wide range of cultural influences that make it distinct. We contribute stories and experiences that broaden the global understanding of what drag can be and who it can represent. What are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities you've encountered as an LGBTQ+ artist in the entertainment industry? One challenge is that LGBTQ+ artists are sometimes expected to fit into very specific categories or stereotypes and we often have to adapt and change to fit wherever the money and gigs might be. There are also still huge limitations in terms of funding, visibility, and mainstream opportunities. At the same time, those challenges create opportunities to build independent platforms, connect directly with audiences, and tell stories that might otherwise go unheard. Social media and digital content have also opened doors for LGBTQ+ artists to reach global audiences and create meaningful communities beyond traditional entertainment spaces. Our community is very small, and interpersonal conflicts and dynamics play a heavy hand in determining who is allowed to and able to succeed - oftentimes opportunities and room for growth are stunted by ego, and once people have succeeded, they hesitate to share that space for fear of losing it. My biggest opportunities have been very diverse - I won Mr. and Miss Pretoria Gay Pride in 2024 which gave me an entirely different platform and audience, I have performed with multiple stars from Ru Paul's Drag Race on their tours here, and most importantly I released my debut single which taught me a lot about my space and niche as a drag entertainer. The project was entirely self-funded which presented it's own challenges in of itself, but the lack of access to sponsors and resources became very evident when embarking on this project. As much as I would love to be a global entertainer and reach audiences outside of my community, as a drag artist I feel as though my music and my art will always be somewhat boxed into this very specific space. It will always be "drag music", and not just music, and that becomes limiting. That being said - if my community is the only group that enjoys and appreciates my artistry, that will always be sufficient for me and reason enough to create more. How do you balance entertainment with activism, and do you see your performances as a form of social or political expression? I believe visibility itself can be, and is, a form of activism. My primary goal is always to entertain, but when people see a queer artist confidently taking up space, that carries its own message. I don't think activism always has to be serious or confrontational - sometimes it does have to be, and sometimes we have to engage in uncomfortable discourse and push ourselves through situations of conflict and aggression. Sometimes joy, celebration, and self-expression can be powerful acts of resistance. Through my performances, I hope to create spaces where people feel welcome, empowered, and free to be themselves. I believe that as drag entertainers and people who push to have a platform socially and online, it is our duty to remain educated and aware of everything that our work represents and that we represent. It is important for me to educate myself and remain in touch with the realities of my social space, and to understand that my position shares similarities but also differs vastly to my colleagues in this space. Especially during times such as international Pride Month, my messaging becomes more in line with why Pride is important and why our visibility matters. My drag has allowed me to assist in many communities and in different ways, such as through fundraisers and performances for charity organisations as a direct form of social and political expression. Throughout my time hosting shows I have taken many opportunities to highlight the realities that queer people in South Africa face and have used that platform to educate people on the issues therein. It is important to me to balance my social and political positioning with entertainment. What's next for Femme Aldehyde, and what projects, performances, or creative ambitions are you most excited about in the coming year? The next chapter for Femme Aldehyde is incredibly exciting, although very different. I have taken a small step back in 2026 to redirect and position myself exactly how I want to, rest and recover from two very tough years in the entertainment space, and hone back in on my artistic vision and what I want to achieve both in and out of drag. I'm focused on expanding my music career, releasing original music, and bringing a stronger visual and creative direction to my work through music videos and larger-scale performances. Being an independent artist, it is difficult to release more music and create more visuals - time constraints and financial constraints play a huge role, and the pace at which rollouts happen is a lot slower than a mainstream artist. I am also a perfectionist, and so I am enjoying taking my time to focus on what I want to achieve with my music. I have a second single locked and loaded - something different to 4+4 but just as exciting, and I can't wait for it to be yours. More than anything, I'm excited to keep evolving as an artist and pushing creative boundaries while creating work that entertains, empowers, and leaves a lasting impression. The coming year is loaded with exciting performances and opportunities - namely, I am excited to be headlining and hosting Pretoria Pride this year and to continue my work within that organisation. I am excited to release more music and hopefully a full EP by 2027, and I am excited to keep growing as a human in and out of drag. In my personal life I am excited for my wedding to my incredible fiancé in 2027, my career outside of drag, and the ways that Fabio continues to influence and embolden Femme Aldehyde and vice versa.

You've achieved success across fitness, pageantry, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. What has been the most transformative moment in your journey from athlete to international ambassador? The most transformative moment in my journey was realizing that my greatest purpose was not winning titles or achieving personal success, but using those achievements to create meaningful impact for others. Competing in fitness and pageantry taught me discipline, resilience, and confidence. However, stepping onto the international stage as an ambassador for the LGBTQIA+ community showed me that visibility carries responsibility. Meeting people from different countries, hearing their stories, and understanding the challenges many still face transformed my perspective from personal achievement to community service. That shift changed everything. I no longer saw titles as a destination, but as a platform to advocate for inclusion, create safe spaces, raise awareness around LGBTQIA+ rights and gender-based violence, and inspire others to live authentically. That realization has been the defining moment of my journey and continues to guide the legacy I hope to leave behind As the 2024 champion of Mr Gay Nation SA, what responsibilities came with the title that surprised you the most? One of the biggest surprises that came with being the 2024 champion of Mr Gay Nation SA was realizing just how many people look to a titleholder for guidance, representation, and hope. The crown carries far more responsibility than recognition. I quickly learned that the role extends beyond appearances and events. It requires being a consistent advocate, a mentor, and a voice for those who may not yet feel seen or heard. People share their personal stories, struggles, and aspirations, and that trust is both humbling and motivating. What surprised me most was the impact that simple actions, listening, encouraging, showing up, and being authentic, could have on someone's life. The title taught me that true leadership is not about standing in the spotlight; it is about using that spotlight to illuminate opportunities for others and create lasting positive change within the LGBTQIA+ community. You earned a Top 3 placing in IFBB Athletic Physique competition. How has competitive bodybuilding shaped your mindset, confidence, and approach to leadership? Achieving a Top 3 placing in an IFBB Athletic Physique competition taught me lessons that extend far beyond the stage. Competitive bodybuilding instilled discipline, consistency, and mental resilience. It showed me that success is built through countless small decisions made every day, even when no one is watching. The sport also strengthened my confidence, not because of physical appearance, but because it taught me to trust the process, overcome setbacks, and push beyond perceived limits. Preparing for competition requires focus, sacrifice, and the ability to remain committed to a goal despite challenges. As a leader, those same principles guide me today. I believe in leading by example, staying accountable, and encouraging others to reach their full potential. Bodybuilding taught me that growth happens outside of your comfort zone, and that true strength is not just physical, but also mental, emotional, and rooted in perseverance. Those lessons continue to shape how I approach advocacy, mentorship, and leadership within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond Representation in fitness spaces is still evolving. What challenges have you faced as an openly LGBTQ+ athlete, and how have those experiences influenced your advocacy work? As an openly LGBTQ+ athlete, one of the challenges I've faced has been navigating spaces where representation was limited and where assumptions or stereotypes still existed. There were moments when I felt the pressure to prove that my identity and my athletic ability were not mutually exclusive, but rather strengths that could coexist authentically. Those experiences taught me the importance of visibility. When LGBTQ+ individuals see people who are thriving in fitness, sport, and leadership while being unapologetically themselves, it helps break down barriers and challenge outdated perceptions. These challenges have directly influenced my advocacy work. They reinforced my commitment to creating inclusive environments where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to pursue their goals without fear of judgment. They also strengthened my belief that representation matters, not for recognition alone, but because it creates pathways for others to see what is possible. Today, I use my platform to encourage authenticity, promote diversity, and advocate for spaces where people are valued for their character, talent, and dedication rather than being defined by stereotypes. True inclusion happens when everyone has the opportunity to participate, succeed, and belong. Winning international recognition as Mr Gay World Tourism 2025 placed you on a global stage. What message did you most want to share about South Africa's LGBTQ+ community with the world? Winning the title of Mr Gay World Tourism 2025 gave me an incredible opportunity to showcase not only who I am, but also the resilience, diversity, and spirit of South Africa's LGBTQIA+ community. My message to the world was that South Africa is home to a vibrant LGBTQIA+ community that continues to break barriers, create change, and inspire others despite ongoing challenges. While our country has some of the most progressive constitutional protections for LGBTQIA+ rights, many individuals still face discrimination, violence, and exclusion. It is therefore essential that we continue advocating for equality, visibility, and safe spaces for all. I wanted people across the globe to see that South Africa's LGBTQIA+ community is not defined by struggle alone. We are leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, artists, athletes, and changemakers. We contribute meaningfully to our society and deserve to live authentically, safely, and proudly. As an advocate, GBV activist, and representative on the international stage, I aimed to highlight the importance of unity, inclusion, and human dignity. My goal was to remind people that when we embrace diversity, we create stronger communities and a better future for everyone. Most importantly, I wanted every LGBTQIA+ person, especially young people, to know that their identity is their strength. Their voice matters, their story matters, and they belong Many young LGBTQ+ people struggle with self-acceptance and body image. What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning their journey toward confidence and authenticity? Many young LGBTQ+ people grow up feeling pressure to fit into boxes that were never designed for them. My advice is simple: your worth is not determined by how closely you match someone else's idea of beauty, masculinity, femininity, or success. Confidence does not appear overnight. It is built through small daily choices: choosing self-kindness over self-criticism, celebrating your progress instead of comparing yourself to others, and surrounding yourself with people who see and value the real you. Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth often face greater pressure around appearance and body image, making self-acceptance an especially important journey. I encourage people to focus less on how their body looks and more on what it allows them to do. Your body carries you through life. Most importantly, authenticity is a superpower. The moment you stop trying to be who others expect and start embracing who you truly are, you begin to build a confidence that no one can take away. Be patient with yourself. Growth is not a straight road. Every step toward self-acceptance is a victory worth celebrating. You've spoken about creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can thrive authentically. What does meaningful community empowerment look like to you in 2026? Meaningful community empowerment in 2026 goes beyond visibility. It is about creating environments where LGBTQIA+ individuals are not only accepted, but celebrated, protected, and given equal opportunities to succeed. For me, empowerment means ensuring that every person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, has access to safe spaces, quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and strong support networks. It means amplifying voices that have historically been marginalized and creating platforms where people can share their stories without fear. Empowerment also requires action. It is found in mentorship programs that help young people discover their potential, advocacy efforts that challenge discrimination, and community initiatives that address issues such as gender-based violence, mental health, homelessness, and social exclusion. In 2026, meaningful empowerment is about building sustainable communities where authenticity is a strength rather than a risk. It is about fostering leadership, encouraging allyship, and ensuring that the next generation grows up knowing they belong exactly as they are. As someone committed to advocacy and creating safe spaces, I believe our greatest success will be measured not by how many people we reach, but by how many lives we help transform. When individuals are empowered to live openly, confidently, and authentically, entire communities become stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive. Social media often showcases the highlights of success. What is a challenge, setback, or personal lesson that your followers rarely get to see behind the scenes? One of the biggest lessons my followers rarely see is that confidence is not something you achieve once and keep forever. Even as a titleholder, advocate, and public figure, there are moments of self-doubt, exhaustion, and uncertainty behind the scenes. Social media often captures the achievements, the events, the photoshoots, and the victories. What it doesn't always show are the long hours of preparation, the sacrifices, the difficult conversations, and the responsibility that comes with representing a community. There are times when balancing advocacy, leadership roles, professional commitments, and personal well-being can be incredibly challenging. A personal lesson I have learned is that resilience is not about never struggling. It is about continuing to move forward despite the challenges. Some of my greatest growth has come from setbacks, criticism, and moments when things did not go according to plan. Those experiences have taught me patience, humility, and the importance of staying grounded in my purpose. I have also learned that asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. None of us succeed alone. The encouragement of friends, family, mentors, and the LGBTQIA+ community has helped me navigate difficult moments and remain focused on creating positive change. If there is one message I hope people take away, it is that authenticity includes both the triumphs and the struggles. Growth happens in the moments nobody sees, and often the strongest people are the ones who have learned to keep going when the spotlight is off. As someone involved in mentoring and leadership within the LGBTQ+ pageant space, what qualities do you believe define the next generation of queer leaders? The next generation of queer leaders will be defined by authenticity, resilience, empathy, and courage. They will lead with purpose, embrace diversity, and use their platforms to create meaningful change. Most importantly, they will uplift others, build inclusive communities, and inspire people to live proudly and unapologetically as themselves. Looking ahead, what legacy would you like Gert Claassen-Smit to leave—not only in pageantry and fitness, but within the broader LGBTQ+ community both in South Africa and internationally? I would like my legacy to be one of impact, inclusion, and empowerment. Not simply as a pageant titleholder or fitness enthusiast, but as someone who helped create safer spaces where LGBTQIA+ people could live authentically and without fear. I hope to be remembered as a leader who used his platform to uplift others, champion diversity, and inspire people to embrace who they are with pride and confidence. Whether in South Africa or on the global stage, my goal is to leave behind stronger communities, future leaders, and a message that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive. If my journey encourages even one person to stand taller, dream bigger, and live more authentically, then I will consider that a legacy worth leaving.

Gran Canaria: The Ultimate LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to Europe's Year-Round Sunshine Paradise Golden beaches, spectacular volcanic landscapes, luxury resorts and one of Europe's most welcoming LGBTQ+ communities make Gran Canaria a destination that deserves a place on every traveller's bucket list. Often referred to as the "Continent in Miniature", this Canary Island offers everything from vibrant nightlife and world-famous Pride celebrations to peaceful mountain villages and breathtaking coastal scenery. Whether you're looking for a romantic escape, an unforgettable party holiday or an active adventure in the sun, Gran Canaria delivers. Why Visit Gran Canaria? Located around 130 miles off the northwest coast of Africa, Gran Canaria enjoys a subtropical climate with more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Average temperatures range between 20°C in winter and 28°C in summer, making it one of Europe's best year-round holiday destinations. For LGBTQ+ travellers, Gran Canaria has long been regarded as one of the safest and most inclusive destinations in Europe. The island welcomes visitors from across the globe with open arms, and nowhere is this more evident than in the resort of Maspalomas. Maspalomas – Europe's LGBTQ+ Capital of the Sun If Gran Canaria has a heart, it's Maspalomas. The resort has spent decades building an international reputation as one of Europe's premier LGBTQ+ holiday destinations. Rainbow flags fly proudly throughout the area, and businesses actively welcome LGBTQ+ visitors. The centre of the scene is the famous Yumbo Centre, home to: More than 200 bars, restaurants and shops Drag shows every night Dance clubs Cocktail lounges Cabaret venues LGBTQ+ events throughout the year During the daytime, the atmosphere is relaxed. By night, the Yumbo transforms into one of Europe's biggest open-air LGBTQ+ nightlife venues. The Famous Maspalomas Dunes No visit is complete without experiencing the spectacular dunes. Stretching for over 400 hectares, the dunes resemble a slice of the Sahara transported to the Atlantic Ocean. Perfect for: Sunrise walks Photography Romantic sunsets Nature lovers The nearby beach is divided into several sections, including an internationally recognised LGBTQ+ area and a popular naturist section. It's one of the most famous gay beaches in Europe and remains friendly, welcoming and incredibly relaxed. Playa del Inglés Adjacent to Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés offers: Beautiful beaches Countless restaurants Hotels for every budget Shopping centres Water sports Beach bars Accommodation ranges from affordable apartments to luxurious adults-only resorts. Many hotels actively market themselves as LGBTQ+ friendly, making couples feel comfortable from check-in onwards. LGBTQ+ Nightlife Gran Canaria comes alive after sunset. The Yumbo Centre offers entertainment seven nights a week with something for everyone. Popular venues include: Drag cabaret bars Dance clubs Karaoke bars Cocktail lounges Leather and fetish venues Relaxed terraces for people watching The nightlife is friendly, diverse and remarkably international. You'll hear English, Spanish, German, Dutch, French and Italian all within a few minutes. Beyond the Beaches Although famous for nightlife, Gran Canaria has so much more to explore. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, The island's capital combines history with cosmopolitan culture. Don't miss: Vegueta Old Town Santa Ana Cathedral Boutique shopping Museums Street cafés Las Canteras Beach It's perfect for a day trip away from the resorts. Discover the Mountains Hire a car and explore the island's interior. Highlights include: Roque Nublo Pico de las Nieves Tejeda village Pine forests Scenic viewpoints The dramatic volcanic scenery surprises many first-time visitors. Best Time to Visit January–March Perfect winter sunshine. April–June Warm weather and Maspalomas Pride. July–September Hot temperatures and lively beaches. October–November Excellent weather with Winter Pride. December Festive celebrations in the sunshine. Gran Canaria isn't simply LGBTQ+ friendly—it has become one of the world's great LGBTQ+ holiday destinations because inclusivity is woven into everyday life. Whether you're celebrating Pride, relaxing on the beach, enjoying dinner with your partner or dancing until sunrise, you'll find an atmosphere built on acceptance, diversity and freedom. Few destinations combine world-class beaches, spectacular scenery, fantastic weather and legendary nightlife quite like Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria continues to set the benchmark for LGBTQ+ travel in Europe. With year-round sunshine, a thriving queer community, exceptional hospitality and endless opportunities for adventure, it's easy to understand why so many visitors return year after year. Whether it's your first visit or your fifteenth, Gran Canaria promises memories that last long after your tan has faded. Perfect for: Couples • Solo travellers • Friends • Pride lovers • Beach holidays • Winter sun • Adventure seekers • Honeymoons

Top 10 Places LGBTQ+ Travellers Should Visit in 2027 From the beaches of Thailand and Spain to the streets of Montréal and Taipei, these are ten destinations worth putting on your LGBTQ+ travel radar for 2027. Choosing where to travel is about far more than finding somewhere with good weather and a long list of attractions. For LGBTQ+ travellers, feeling comfortable, finding a visible queer community and knowing something about local laws and attitudes can be equally important. The global picture remains complicated. LGBTQ+ rights continue to advance in some countries while facing significant restrictions in others. ILGA World’s international data shows considerable differences in legal protection and recognition around the world, making research before travelling particularly important. With that in mind, g10 group looks at ten destinations to consider for your 2027 travels. 1. Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok has long had one of Asia’s most visible LGBTQ+ scenes, but Thailand has now entered a new chapter. Marriage equality became a reality in Thailand in 2025, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to introduce equal marriage. For visitors, Bangkok offers an extraordinary combination of modern city life, temples, rooftop bars, huge shopping centres, street food and nightlife. Silom remains one of the best-known areas for LGBTQ+ nightlife, while Bangkok Pride has helped make queer visibility increasingly prominent in the Thai capital. But Bangkok doesn't have to be all about nightlife. Visit Wat Arun beside the Chao Phraya River, explore the Grand Palace, discover the city's seemingly endless food scene or simply watch Bangkok go by from a rooftop as the sun sets across the city. And Bangkok can easily become the beginning of a much bigger Thai adventure, with Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Thailand's islands waiting beyond the capital. Best for: Nightlife, food, culture and combining a city break with a wider Thailand adventure. 2. Madrid, Spain Few European cities embrace LGBTQ+ life quite as visibly as Madrid. The neighbourhood of Chueca sits at the centre of the city's queer scene, filled with bars, cafés, restaurants and LGBTQ+-owned or LGBTQ+-focused businesses. Madrid Pride — commonly known as MADO — transforms the Spanish capital each summer and has become one of Europe's major LGBTQ+ celebrations. Spain also remains among the stronger countries internationally for LGBTQ+ travellers. The 2026 Spartacus Gay Travel Index placed Spain jointly among its highest-rated destinations. Away from Pride, Madrid offers magnificent museums, late-night dining, beautiful architecture and an infectious street culture. And if you want to turn the trip into something bigger, Barcelona, Sitges and the Spanish islands can easily be added to your itinerary. Best for: Pride, nightlife, culture and LGBTQ+ visibility. 3. Reykjavík, Iceland Small city. Big personality. Reykjavík provides something very different from the sprawling LGBTQ+ destinations of Bangkok, Madrid or Sydney. Iceland was placed at the top of the 2026 Spartacus Gay Travel Index, which assesses destinations using a range of LGBTQ+-related criteria. The capital itself is colourful, compact and easily explored on foot, while Reykjavík Pride brings a distinctly Icelandic character to the city's LGBTQ+ celebrations. But one of the biggest reasons to visit is what lies outside Reykjavík. Waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal lagoons and dramatic coastlines make Iceland one of those rare destinations where the journey beyond the city can be every bit as memorable as the city itself. Depending on when you travel, there is also the possibility of experiencing the midnight sun or searching for the Northern Lights. Best for: Nature, road trips, couples and travellers looking for something different. 4. Valletta and Malta Tiny Malta has developed an outsized reputation within LGBTQ+ travel. The Mediterranean island country was placed jointly second in the 2026 Spartacus Gay Travel Index alongside Spain. Its capital Valletta provides an atmospheric starting point, with historic streets, impressive architecture and spectacular harbour views. Beyond Valletta, visitors can explore Mdina, Malta's beaches and neighbouring Gozo. Malta Pride adds another reason for LGBTQ+ visitors to consider the islands, but Malta doesn't need to be visited during Pride to work as a queer-friendly Mediterranean escape. With history, sunshine and relatively short travelling distances, you can experience a surprising amount during even a short visit. Best for: Mediterranean sunshine, history, couples and shorter European breaks. 5. Sydney, Australia There aren't many LGBTQ+ events as instantly recognisable as Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Each year, Sydney becomes a major international gathering point for LGBTQ+ visitors, with the famous parade forming only part of a much larger programme. Oxford Street and surrounding areas have historically been at the heart of Sydney's queer scene, but LGBTQ+ life stretches far beyond a single neighbourhood. Then there is Sydney itself. The Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach provide the postcard moments, while the city's beaches, restaurants and outdoor lifestyle make it easy to understand its international appeal. Allow enough time to experience the city beyond Mardi Gras — and consider turning your visit into a wider Australian adventure. Best for: Mardi Gras, beaches, nightlife and a major long-haul adventure. 6. Montréal, Canada Montréal manages to feel European and North American at the same time — and that is part of its appeal. Its LGBTQ+ Village is one of the best-known queer districts in North America, while the city's festivals, restaurants, bars and arts scene mean there is almost always something happening. Montréal Pride adds another major LGBTQ+ event to the calendar. Canada remains among the better-performing destinations in the 2026 Spartacus index, although the report also notes changes in measures of social acceptance — a useful reminder that national legal rights and individual experiences are not always identical. Beyond LGBTQ+ nightlife, explore Old Montréal, experience the city's celebrated food scene and climb Mount Royal for views across the city. Best for: Festivals, food, nightlife and LGBTQ+ neighbourhood culture. 7. Taipei, Taiwan Taipei deserves a place on the radar of anyone interested in LGBTQ+ travel in Asia. Taiwan became the first jurisdiction in Asia to introduce marriage equality, and ILGA World continues to record Taiwan among jurisdictions recognising same-sex marriage. Taipei also hosts one of Asia's most prominent Pride celebrations. The city's Ximending area is particularly associated with LGBTQ+ nightlife, including the well-known cluster of queer venues around the Red House. But Taipei offers much more. Night markets, temples, hot springs and an outstanding food culture provide plenty to explore, while Taiwan's excellent transport links make it relatively easy to travel beyond the capital. For travellers who have already experienced destinations such as Bangkok, Taipei provides another fascinating perspective on LGBTQ+ life in Asia. Best for: Pride, food, Asian city breaks and LGBTQ+ culture. 8. Lisbon, Portugal Colourful streets, historic trams, viewpoints, nightlife and easy access to the coast have helped turn Lisbon into one of Europe's most popular city-break destinations. For LGBTQ+ travellers there is another attraction: Portugal was among the countries sharing fourth position in the 2026 Spartacus Gay Travel Index. Lisbon's LGBTQ+ nightlife is spread around areas including Príncipe Real and Bairro Alto, while Pride celebrations bring additional queer visibility to the Portuguese capital. Lisbon's LGBTQ+ nightlife is spread around areas including Príncipe Real and Bairro Alto, while Pride celebrations bring additional queer visibility to the Portuguese capital. And one of Lisbon's greatest advantages is what you can combine with it. Sintra makes an easy excursion, while Portugal's beaches provide the opportunity to turn a city break into a longer holiday. Best for: City breaks, food, nightlife and combining culture with the coast. 9. Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town provides one of the most spectacular city backdrops anywhere in the world. Table Mountain towers above a city surrounded by ocean, beaches and some of South Africa's most famous landscapes. Cape Town also has a visible LGBTQ+ community, with De Waterkant particularly associated with queer venues and nightlife. South Africa's constitutional and legal framework provides significant LGBTQ+ protections, including marriage equality, although travellers should remember that experiences and social attitudes can differ substantially across the country. Cape Town Pride provides an obvious time for LGBTQ+ visitors to experience the city, but its appeal extends throughout the year. Take the cableway up Table Mountain, explore the Cape Peninsula, visit nearby wine regions or simply spend time beside the Atlantic. Best for: Scenery, wine, beaches and adventure. 10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Rio is difficult to mistake for anywhere else. The combination of mountains, beaches and city creates one of the world's most recognisable destinations. Copacabana and Ipanema are internationally famous, while Ipanema in particular has a long association with Rio's LGBTQ+ community. The city also hosts major LGBTQ+ celebrations and has a huge queer community. Yet travellers should approach Brazil with the same awareness they would any enormous country: legal recognition does not mean discrimination or violence has disappeared. Researching neighbourhoods, transport and current local advice before travelling remains sensible. For those who do visit, Rio offers something extraordinary — mornings beside the Atlantic, afternoons exploring the city and evenings discovering Brazilian nightlife. Best for: Beaches, nightlife, big celebrations and unforgettable scenery. A World Worth Exploring There is no single definition of the perfect LGBTQ+ destination. Some travellers want Pride parades and clubs. Others want beaches, food, history or somewhere to spend a quiet week with their partner. That is why our 2027 selection stretches from Reykjavík's extraordinary landscapes to Bangkok's frenetic streets, Taipei's night markets, Madrid's Chueca neighbourhood and Sydney's beaches. What connects them is the opportunity to discover somewhere new while also finding LGBTQ+ communities and spaces along the way. Travellers should nevertheless remember that LGBTQ+ laws and local conditions can change. ILGA World's continually updated database tracks legislation affecting LGBTQ+ people internationally, and checking current travel advice before departure — particularly for trans and gender-diverse travellers — should always be part of planning an overseas trip. Where will 2027 take you?

Manchester Village Pride 2026: Pride Comes Home to the Village Manchester is getting ready for a very different kind of Pride this August Bank Holiday – and for the LGBTQ+ community, it could be one of the most significant weekends in the city for years. From Friday 28 August to Monday 31 August 2026, Manchester's famous Gay Village will once again become the beating heart of Pride as Manchester Village Pride makes its debut under a new, community-led organisation. While Pride has a long and proud history in Manchester, 2026 represents a fresh start. Following the collapse of the previous Manchester Pride organisation in 2025, businesses, residents and community stakeholders came together to establish Manchester Village Pride CIC, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. And its message for this year's event couldn't be more appropriate: "No Place Like Home." A Pride built around the Village For decades, Manchester's Gay Village has been at the centre of LGBTQ+ life in the city. This year, organisers are putting that history firmly back in the spotlight. Manchester Village Pride describes itself as a Pride that is "run by the community, for the community", with the Village at its heart. The new organisation is run by unpaid volunteers, while local Village venues provided £120,000 in start-up loans to help get the event off the ground. The new model also places a strong emphasis on supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Organisers say surplus funds will be reinvested into grassroots queer organisations and community initiatives rather than distributed as private profit. For Manchester, it is much more than simply changing the name on the Pride banner. It is an attempt to rebuild trust and reconnect the city's biggest LGBTQ+ celebration with its roots. Four days of Pride The weekend gets underway on Friday 28 August, with the Village opening its doors and live stages getting the celebrations started. Saturday is set to be the big day, with the Manchester Village Pride Parade taking place on 29 August. This year's theme, "No Place Like Home," reflects the decision to bring Pride back to the Gay Village and celebrate the community that has helped make Manchester one of the UK's most important LGBTQ+ cities. The parade will provide the colourful spectacle Manchester Pride is famous for, with community groups, charities, businesses and organisations marching through the city centre. But organisers are also keen to put community before commercial interests. LGBTQ+ charities and grassroots groups are not charged to take part in the parade, while commercial floats contribute towards supporting community participation. Music, drag and the Village party Once the parade is over, the party continues across the Gay Village. The main stage will showcase queer talent from Manchester and across the UK, while the Dance Arena will celebrate the city's legendary LGBTQ+ nightlife with house, techno and disco. The programme is expected to provide the usual mix of live music, DJs, drag, cabaret and plenty of opportunities to dance into the night. Acts announced for the 2026 celebrations include names such as Cascada and DJ Sammy, adding some serious pop nostalgia to the Bank Holiday party. One of the organisers' key commitments is that artists performing at Manchester Village Pride will be paid fairly, with the event working with Equity on professional standards and fair pay. That commitment is particularly significant given the financial difficulties surrounding the previous Pride organisation. Pride beyond Canal Street Although the Gay Village is very much the headquarters, Manchester Village Pride isn't limiting itself to Canal Street. A new Pride Fringe will bring LGBTQ+ arts, culture, film, comedy, exhibitions, club nights and other events to venues across the city. The programme includes the return of SCENE: Manchester LGBTQ+ Film & TV Festival, alongside events at cultural venues and celebrations hosted by businesses and community organisations. It means that even if you're not heading into the Village for the main party, there should be plenty happening elsewhere in Manchester. Monday: community, family and remembrance One of the most interesting changes comes on the Monday. 31 August will be dedicated to community, families and remembrance, with a Lifestyle & Community Expo in the Village. There will be activities including drag story time, face painting, bouncy castles and youth workshops, making Monday a more relaxed and family-focused part of the weekend. Importantly, Monday entry is free, reflecting the organisers' belief that the community and remembrance elements of Pride should be accessible to everyone. The weekend will conclude with the George House Trust Vigil at Sackville Gardens, providing an opportunity to remember those lost to HIV/AIDS and reflect on the history and continuing importance of the LGBTQ+ community. A new beginning for Manchester Pride There is inevitably going to be a sense of change hanging over this year's celebrations. Manchester has hosted Pride for decades, with the first event taking place in the Village in 1985. The new Manchester Village Pride CIC is therefore not starting from scratch – it is attempting to reconnect with a history that stretches back more than 40 years. That makes the first Manchester Village Pride of 2026 particularly interesting. It is a test of whether Pride can be rebuilt around community, transparency and the LGBTQ+ venues, organisations and people who have kept Manchester's queer scene alive. And judging by the plans, the answer is going to be celebrated with plenty of colour, music, glitter and dancing. The g10 group verdict Manchester Village Pride 2026 looks set to be less about simply putting on another huge party and more about asking what Pride actually means to the people who live, work and socialise in Manchester's LGBTQ+ community. With the Gay Village firmly back at the centre, a city-wide Fringe programme, the return of the parade, four days of events and a renewed emphasis on community and fair treatment of performers, this year's celebration feels like both a homecoming and a new beginning. So, whether you're a Manchester local or planning a Bank Holiday weekend visit, 28–31 August is one to put in the diary. Because this year, Pride isn't just coming to Manchester. Pride is coming home. Manchester Village Pride takes place from Friday 28 August to Monday 31 August 2026. The parade takes place on Saturday 29 August. Monday's Community & Family Day and Vigil are free to attend. Event information and ticket details are subject to change, so check the official Manchester Village Pride programme before travelling.

Your sound blends traditional country with a modern LGBTQ+ perspective—what drew you to country music as your primary genre? I think growing up I never felt like the kids around me liked the same music as me, they were all into rock and heavy metal. Then one day I saw a group of people doing a line dancing class to Shania Twain in the local supermarket carpark and I loved her sound. She’s been a big influence on me and my music and a cover some of her songs in my covers set as well. I was a country boy from then. Country has historically had a complex relationship with queer artists. What has your experience been as an LGBTQ+ artist in the UK country scene? I have been quite lucky so far, I haven’t experienced any homophobia at any of my shows, and iv played and queer and straight venues. The only hate I get is online. That used to bother me but its always a faceless profile and iv learnt to just ignore their words now Your new EP is getting attention—what’s the story or theme that ties the project together? I currently have 8 singles out on streaming platforms, and they each have a separate and unique story, so I knew I wanted the EP to have an overall theme and vibe. I also wanted it to reflect what modern country can sound like from a queer perspective. Its sexy and empowering. Can you walk us through the creative process behind the EP? Were there any songs that evolved in unexpected ways? The Day You Don’t Love Me is a heartfelt ballad I wrote after waking up from consecutive nightmares that my boyfriend had broken up with me. I woke up after the third of fourth time of having this same nightmare and knew I needed to write the song. It explores who you are when the person you love does love you anymore and I think it’s very beautiful and raw. On the flip side of that, Boys In The Barn, my sexy rodeo song on the EP was written based off a fantasy I have when I was drunk in park. Inspirations comes in all different forms! Is there a particular track on the new EP that feels especially personal or important to you? Why? Apart from The Day You Don’t Love Me, for obvious reasons mentioned above, I would say the lead song from the EP, He’s The Devil. It perfectly captures the vibe of the EP and with the help of some amazing friends, @matt1981h and @stefanowithef, it became the song to my first ever music video which is out now on YouTube. I’m very proud of it! How do your personal experiences influence your songwriting, especially when it comes to identity and storytelling? When I write music, the story always comes first. I want to take the listener on a journey. Almost all of my songs are drawn from personal experiences, whether its growing up in a small town, dealing with heartbreak, or facing adversity. I aim to make every story feel authentic and personal, so the listener can truly connect with it. Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both within country and outside of it? Shania Twain is a given, I think she’s amazing! I have also been really inspired by Lainey Wilsons’ story, especially how she was living in her camper trailer for 10 years while she constantly tried to break into the industry. That kind of perseverance is really empowering as a new. I’m also deeply inspired by musical theatre, which is why I love incorporating of drama into my own music. The UK country scene has been growing in recent years—how do you see your role within it? I love that the UK country scene is growing in popularity. I hope to be a big part in making sure that, as it grows, it does so inclusively, so everyone feels they have a voice and can find home in a country song. After all, “Y’all Means All.” (that’s one of my songs ) What do you hope listeners—especially queer listeners—take away from your music? I hope my listeners feel a sense of community from my music; I am small enough that I respond to every comment and I want to get to know my audience. I aim create a community that supports each other through music. I hope my music empowers them, gives the strength, and brings them joy. Looking ahead, how do you want your sound and message to evolve after this EP? I have so many plans already before the end of the year, I have new music after the EP, a UK pride tour and a Christmas EP all in the works. I’m constantly learning, evolving, and pushing myself to be better. I can’t wait to see where all this hard work takes me! https://youtu.be/GupALL678vc?si=XcE9BLxOIn9Qe42H https://open.spotify.com/artist/757uBkhdjpYHxyMtLuTpNC?si=ylzjGHc1QqebV_13HDG3Tg