Subversive Mutants.

Does science fiction have the power to infiltrate the mass consciousness with socially progressive ideas that can ultimately change a person’s worldview?

“The allegorical power of the series over the decades has probably done more to shape contemporary culture than placing a range of rather token gay characters ever could, and this alone should justify X-Men’s place within queer history.”

The Lord of Time.

A new Doctor inevitably causes concern for every committed Whoovian. Jim Sangster takes a deep breath … which is followed by a sigh of relief.

“He’s passionate, curious yet still possesses that youthful innocence. It feels like we have a Doctor who knows the entire history of the show and that we’re in safe hands. It’s a good feeling.”

Revealing the Gender Spectrum.

Pioneering activist Carol Steele talks about the questions that face people who are transgender, and the obstacles that trans people have yet to overcome.

“Transgender people can be straight, lesbian, gay or bi in much the same way that cis-gender people can be straight, lesbian, gay or bi – but we do have one thing in common with all cis-LGB, we have all suffered from persecution.”

Find Your Weird.

James Broughton was a pioneer of experimental film as well as poetry. The wonderful documentary Big Joy celebrates the legacy of this true revolutionary.

“Like Armistead Maupin says in the film, Broughton knew how to get to the serious through the silly. I think that’s an amazing talent that only an idealist can have.”

Revealing the Hidden Life.

Nick Smith talks to wrestler Ben English, aka The VIP, about his experiences of coming out in the world of professional wrestling

“Professional wrestlers are not the most politically correct group, but the messages of support I received from my peers were incredible.”

Revealing the Hidden Life.

Damon Galgut talks about his novel Arctic Summer, what drew him to EM Forster, and how Forster’s hidden life brought on his writer’s block.

“I’m fascinated, in a literary sense, by that: what happens if you don’t express what you’re feeling? I’m interested in what’s not said, what’s not acted upon, and the kind of plot that might arise from inaction”

WIN DVD!

WIN I Am Happiness on Earth, a film by Julián Hernández, released by Peccadillo Pictures.

The Photography of J-DART.

A gallery celebrating the human body, stripped bare and juxtaposed by either the space they inhabit, or an artificial environment created from abstract projections.

Polari August Bona-nza: I Want to be a Porn Star!

What is it about the lure of exhibitionism? An anonymous writer explores the lure of wanting to be in a porn film.

“Yes, I want to be in porn. I would like to give it a go, but not necessarily make it a career path. I am long past being awkward about my body, and terrified of my own sexuality. “

Polari’s August Bona-nza: Girls on Cam.

Carrick McDonald talks to webcam model Jenna Thalia about the politics of performance, bossy clients, and coming to terms with her bisexuality..

“I’m pretty open to try things once though. I’m so curious about everything. I suppose that makes me a kinkster.”