Coming Out.

Walter Beck talks to activist Leah Robinson about her series of anthologies about coming out in America.

“I was inspired to do the book Coming Out as there is much mystery and fantasy surrounding the concept of homosexuality in the world today. I have published this book in order to introduce society to the real stories of real people whose voices have gone unheard for years.”

How To Create An LGBT Friendly World.

“Every subject can be completely open, that’s the goal, to make all workplaces and all schools LGBT friendly.”

Queer Music.

“I’ve never had anyone say ‘No you’re gay, you’re singing about gay love, this doesn’t suit our venue’. But I know I have missed out on oppurtunities because of the content of my music and the way I’m presenting it as an openly gay artist.”

Simon Oldfield Gallery.

Michael Langan talks to Simon Foxall about Queer Art, and how so many images in the pop-culture landscape operate as fantasies that obscure uncomfortable truths.

“South America has always interested me as a Hollywood product, one that has been used as an escapist tool. I think Evita interests me in that way too – do we think of Madonna and the music, or of the glamorous supporter of European fascism?”

Thinking Big.

Walter Beck talks to Raymond Luczak about the influences on his writing, and the great, wide-ranging ideas that animate the book How To Kill Poetry.

“I needed to kick my old poems aside. I had to think big. I had to mock my old poet self. I had to get down and dirty with my verse.”

Visibility and Diversity.

Christopher Bryant talks to Sue Sanders, one of the founders of the UK’s LGBT History Month, about the great work that is done every year to increase the visibility LGBT people, from the classroom to the city streets.

“We’re making history visible to ourselves. We don’t know our own history. It’s crucial we have that space where we can begin to discover our own history.”

Nightlife.

Walter Beck talks to independent folk musician Eli Van Sickel about his latest album Nightlife, his past records, and what the future holds.

“Bad experiences are worse at night. But by the same token, those deserted streets are also incredibly beautiful. And good experiences are always grander or ‘epic’ or bigger at night.”

The Future of LGBT Ageing.

Christopher Bryant talks to Garry McGregor from the LGBT Age project about the problems that face the ageing LGBT population.

“If you look at gay media it would be easy to assume that the community doesn’t think about the elderly – unless they are the national treasures of showbusiness! But I think this oversimplifies things.”

The Magic of Weightlessness.

After Experiencing a Floatation Tank for the first time, Polari’s Editor Decides to Find Out More about this Incredible Form of Relaxation.

“As soon as you stop moving, and you float – you’re not hot you’re not cold, you don’t see, you don’t touch – your mind and body aren’t necessarily talking. Then you can go to a much deeper level of relaxation, as there isn’t always the constant reminder of the body.”

The Cutting Edge of Queer Arts.

The ninth Homotopia Festival runs from 30 October to 30 November 2012. Michael Langan talks to Artistic Director Gary Everett about this innovative queer arts programme.

“So many gay festivals around the UK feel bland, commodified and corporate and seem to have lost their way. I hope through our message of art and social justice we connect with queer and LGBT audiences as well as the wider community.”