Mens Magazines

‘Elska Belfast’ is our thirty-first issue, and our third made in the UK, where this time we opted to visit Northern Ireland's capital, Belfast. This is a fascinating city, but one that is often understood and misunderstood as being dominated by politics, religion, and sectarianism. We wanted to see what life was really like here, particularly gay life, and share our experience in an honest and non-sensationalised way.

In reality, it turned out that some of the stereotypes of Northern Irish life are true, and that certain social and cultural divisions do have an effect on queer lives here. While some of the men wrote of a burgeoning gay scene here and a very sunny outlook, many still complained of conservatism, of backwardness even, often claiming that Northern Ireland is “five", “ten” or even “twenty years behind” the rest of the UK or Ireland. However, while everyone we met proudly assured us that they would not be bound by sectarianism within an already-small LGBTQ community, the often homophobic social and political climate can weigh heavy. The result is that this was one of the most difficult Elska issues yet to find participants, but also that those who did take part were especially defiant, bold, and determined to be an example for others here who may be discreet or closeted.

Inside this issue you'll get to know eleven local Belfast boys. They are presented through personal storytelling and candid photography (both clothed and nude). Some of the men you'll meet include:

• Marcus H-N, who recalls an all-nighter at his place that turns into him and his guests being trapped while rioting took over the streets outside his house, and how he bravely ventured out, in drag, to the local off-license to get more booze for his guests;


• André N, who unleashes his anger at his country, revealing how much he is hurt, and the ways in which he aims to find solace here;


• PJ Q, who embarks on a treatise on a subject that permeates throughout Northern Irish culture, particularly within religious families: shame;


• Robert H, who describes a night out on Belfast's cute but vibrant gay scene, including drag queens, drinks, and bingo;


• Donal L, who describes an unbelievable evening of partying after joining a van full of strangers while hitchhiking

November 2020