Cinema has long been a powerful medium for telling human stories, offering audiences a mirror to society’s struggles, triumphs, and transformations. For queer communities, film has been both a battleground and a stage. It reflects the shifting perceptions of sexuality, gender identity, and the fight for visibility.

The history of queer representation in cinema reveals much about cultural attitudes toward sexuality, the evolution of artistic expression, and the ongoing need for inclusion.

From early silent films to modern blockbusters, queer stories have emerged in varied forms, each adding a layer of meaning to how these narratives are understood. This exploration traces how queer lives have been portrayed, the barriers filmmakers have faced, and how representation has changed over the decades.

Hidden beginnings in early cinema

In the earliest days of film, queer identities were rarely portrayed openly. Silent films occasionally hinted at same-sex attraction through subtle gestures or coded imagery. Filmmakers faced strict social restrictions and censorship laws, which meant queer themes were often veiled. Characters were sometimes presented as eccentric or villainous, reflecting societal prejudices rather than authentic lived experiences.

For instance, early horror and noir genres occasionally used queer-coded villains as a way to signal danger or moral ambiguity. A tactic that reinforced stereotypes rather than genuine representation. These portrayals reveal that queer existence was visible, but only in hidden, distorted forms. These coded narratives laid the groundwork for both creative resistance and the challenges that lay ahead for queer filmmakers.

The rise of queer narratives in mid-20th Century

As cinema moved into the mid-20th century, queer themes began to gain more visibility, though still under heavy constraints. The Motion Picture Production Code in the United States, for example,  enforced strict guidelines that prohibited explicit discussion of homosexuality.

Filmmakers responded with subtext, symbolism, and coded references, allowing queer viewers to find meaning where mainstream audiences might not recognise it.

International cinema, especially in Europe, began to push boundaries earlier. Directors like Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Jean Cocteau explored queer themes more openly, creating a niche for queer cinema that was both daring and poetic. These films challenged the perception that queer stories could not belong to art or mainstream narratives, planting seeds for later cultural shifts.

Read more: The groundbreaking LGBTQ+ icons throughout history…

Breaking barriers: The 1980s and 1990s

The 1980s and 1990s marked a turning point in queer cinema, driven by activism and social change. The HIV/AIDS crisis brought queer issues into urgent public discourse, influencing how queer lives were represented in film. Filmmakers began telling stories that centred queer experiences with greater honesty and urgency.

Independent cinema flourished during this period, offering platforms for authentic queer voices. Films such as Paris Is Burning and My Own Private Idaho explored queer identity with emotional depth and complexity. This era marked a significant expansion of narratives beyond stereotypes, allowing queer cinema to examine themes of love, loss, identity, and resilience with nuance.

Shifting perspectives on LGBTQ+ representation

The discussion of queer representation in film today is more prominent than ever, reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges. Also, LGBTQ+ representation in film is no longer confined to niche art houses; it has expanded into mainstream cinema and television. There is greater visibility of queer characters in diverse roles. This ranges from romantic leads to multifaceted protagonists in genres such as drama, comedy, fantasy, and science fiction. Yet representation still faces obstacles. Issues of tokenism, stereotyping, and underrepresentation remain prevalent.

Authentic representation requires more than the inclusion of queer characters. It demands depth, complexity, and respect for lived experience. The presence of queer filmmakers and storytellers is essential to achieving this, as they bring lived insight that shapes narratives beyond surface-level portrayals.

Contemporary queer storytelling

In the last decade, queer storytelling in film has become increasingly varied and bold. Advances in technology, greater access to filmmaking platforms, and evolving social attitudes have opened new spaces for queer narratives. Streaming services have broadened opportunities for queer filmmakers, allowing stories to reach global audiences without relying solely on traditional distribution channels.

Films such as Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Moonlight, and The Half of It have achieved critical acclaim, not only for their artistry but also for their nuanced portrayals of queer lives. These stories challenge viewers to move beyond assumptions and engage with queer identity as a complex, universal human experience.

Today’s queer cinema is not confined to representation alone; it is actively shaping culture and influencing how society perceives diversity.

Challenges and future directions

While queer stories in film have achieved remarkable progress, there remains significant challenges to overcome. Many queer filmmakers face barriers such as funding shortages, restrictive industry gatekeeping, and cultural censorship in different parts of the world, which can limit the scope and authenticity of storytelling.

Representation still often leans toward certain narratives, frequently prioritising stories that fit mainstream expectations while sidelining more diverse voices. This creates a gap where intersectional experiences, such as those of queer people of colour, trans individuals, disabled queer people, and queer voices from non-Western cultures, may remain underrepresented.

Another challenge lies in avoiding tokenism, where queer characters exist only as symbols rather than fully developed individuals, which risks reducing representation to mere visibility rather than meaningful storytelling. Expanding the scope of queer storytelling means embracing diversity in all its forms, across genres, perspectives, and cultural contexts. This requires both structural change within the industry and deliberate creative risk-taking from filmmakers willing to challenge norms.

Audience support also plays a role…

As demand for inclusive and authentic stories can push studios and producers to take chances on narratives that have historically been ignored. The future of queer cinema depends on building spaces where a wider range of queer voices can be heard and respected, shaping a richer, more inclusive cinematic world where every story has the possibility of being told.

Queer narratives have travelled far from their early coded origins, evolving into a rich and complex realm of storytelling that reflects both progress and the struggles that remain. The history of queer representation in film is a chronicle of resilience, creativity, and the fight for visibility.

As society continues to evolve, queer cinema will remain a vital part of cultural conversation, illuminating identities and experiences that deserve to be seen and understood. The journey of queer stories in film history is ongoing, and every new film adds a chapter to this unfolding narrative of inclusion, resistance, and transformation.

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If Athens and the Acropolis are on your bucket list but you’re put off by the thought of intense heat and insane crowds, this is your sign to go right now. Because springtime is the best time to visit Athens.

Usually when I step off a plane in Athens, it’s summertime. That sort of punch-you-in-the-lungs heat that you never get in the UK. It’s always a bit of a shock to the system.

It can easily hit 40 degrees in high season Athens. And in fact the only thing saving Athens from being completely unbearable is the breeze that blows off the Aegean Sea. Many Athenians abandon the city for the islands in summer, because it’s so hot inland. That should tell you something.

My springtime experience…

Firstly, I’ve had a very decent ride with Aegean (complimentary hot Greek meal and drinks, clean A360 plane with good legroom). Arriving into Athens on easyJet is a lot less easy on the old 50-plus bod, it has to be said. I’m Aegean all the way from now on.

A very decent prawn cocktail, hot pastitsio, and snacky biccie thing on board, for those of you interested. Wine not shown, ahem.

It’s heavenly stepping off the plane

Not unlike an early summer’s day in England – everything is warm, but has a light, green feeling. You can take a deep breath, draw in the fresh air, everything verdant and new, rather than the heat of summer when it’s all overripe, heavy and cloying like a black banana.

It’s early March and it’s the first time I’ve done Athens so early in the year. Before I even leave the runway and get into the airport I’m a convert.

First stop in my short trip is the hotel

I’m staying at the famous and beautifully elegant Hotel Grande Bretagne in Syntagma Square. One of the best five-star residences in Athens, and arguably the most famous, the hotel celebrated 150 years in 2024. It’s actually a Marriott now, but don’t let that put you off; it’s also a Luxury Collection hotel and retains its stately standing, with beautifully appointed bedrooms, excellent bars and restaurants, luxey pools and spa amenities, and that feeling I always want from a grande dame.

It has all its individual charm, great service, and feels every inch the traditional five star. My room also has a great view, plus the most exciting snackie drawer and well-stocked mini-bar I’ve seen in a hotel room for a long time. Bravo.

We arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon – there are a few of us travelling together – and once we’ve showered and changed, we’re all ready for some fun.

First things first; a drink in Alexander’s Bar at the hotel. This is a great place to start the evening – the bar and lounge are furnished with a nod to both Greek culture and the British theme of the hotel. I try not to feel too colonial.

The hotel, incidentally, has great views of the Acropolis. There’s an outdoor pool with stunning views of the hill and the buildings. Inside Alexander’s, there’s also an atrium where you can sit ‘outside’ and enjoy a peaceful oasis slap bang in the middle of one of the noisiest cities in the world. Cocktails all round, and then we’re definitely ready for some food. We head out into the Athens nightlife.

Read more: Why Mexico should be on your bucket list

Time for dinner and we’re off to Ergon

This is a place I’ve been wanting to visit for ages, so I’m thrilled to be at Ergon House. This isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a deli, a place to stay… a place to eat and drink and relax. The inside is set in a vast light atrium space, and the ethos is very much about local farmers and producers, seasonal foods and sustainable agriculture.

There’s even a ‘vertical orchard’ stretching up one wall of the 25-metre atrium which is worth the trip alone to have a look at. Incorporating the latest advancements in hydroponics and aquaponics, it serves as a 2.0 farming field, growing seasonal herbs such as oregano, basil, and rosemary. Unfortunately my photograph of it was awful, but you can see it on their website.

As you’d probably imagine from a place with these credentials, the food here is stunning. We pile into a range of different smaller plates; dolmades, Greek salad, khachapuri (that bread boat thing with cheese and egg in the middle), mad cheese pastries… but seeing as we’re sat right in the middle of one of the best butcheries in Athens, the obvious choice here is from the fresh meat counter.

You can pick things to eat from the deli and butchery counters – it’s an immersive eating experience – so I went for some lamb chops which were on the specials board. Sublime. And to finish off, at the insistence of the team at the restaurant, a vast quantity of local piney liqueur, Mastika, made from tree resin. This is an acquired taste, but a good digestif.

Safe to say we weren’t moving at any kind of speed after that lot, and we slid happily into digesting, chatting, and enjoying the buzz of an Athens just waking up from winter.

However, I’ll sleep when I’m dead…

I’m only in Athens for a short time so I’m making the most of it. I’ve been recommended a bar called The Bank Job. I feel it’s my duty to try it out, and my travelling chums are keen to support this noble effort. It’s only a short walk from Ergon (what did we do before Google maps?), and we’re glad we made the effort.

As you might guess, it’s in an old bank vault, with drinking spaces both inside and out, and it’s gently busy. We enjoy some really outstanding cocktails, and some freebies from the owner. I’d love to tell you his name but by this point things are delightfully hazy. Deciding to call it a night, and not ruin the next day, I slide off around 1am. Apparently I’m becoming more sensible in my advancing years.

Clearly being very sensible. Making the most of the Athens nightlife

Not sensible enough to avoid a thick head the next morning unfortunately…

But sensible enough to get up, shower, enjoy a decent breakfast and get to the Acropolis at a very reasonable hour. The site is open from 8am and I’m there before 9, because I’m wondering if there might be a bit of a queue, even at this time of the year. However, I wasn’t prepared for it to be so quiet. We paid our money, got our tickets and slipped straight through.

The Erechtheion or Temple of Athena Polias

Once on the site I could count the number of people there on one hand. It was slightly bizarre. I’ve been before but only in summertime, which is brutal. It’s so busy you can barely see the ground under your feet for crowds around you, let alone the ancient wonders.

This, then, is possibly the best reason of all to come in springtime. Late February/early March (avoiding that sneaky half term towards the end of the month) and probably well into April is prime time if you want to really see the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and so on. Not to mention a smog-free view of the city, laid out around you. It’s breathtaking, no exaggeration. Do it.

The Greek Theatre of Dionysus, and Athens beyond

View over Athens from Acropolis

Leaving the Acropolis we pottered down the hill

Already slowing into Greece pace – siga, siga, for those who know – which roughly means ‘slowly, slowly’. By this point it’s around 17 degrees, and the streets are littered with jolly dogs and watchful cats enjoying the gentle spring warmth. I pat a few lazily wagging curs. They sniff me hopefully for treats, and I wonder how they cope in the blazing summer heat. I guess they’re used to it. The road is cobbled and in very good nick. It’s also very clean.

Next up, the Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is relatively new, having opened in 2009 after a fierce architectural competition – CAD-bags at dawn, one assumes. It’s actually a lovely job, architecturally-speaking. Modern and minimalist, the design lends more than a nod to the stately Acropolis architecture on the hill behind it. And there is a lot of glass. The windows are coated and the antiquities positioned so there’s no sun damage. But the lighting throughout the building is a joy.

The museum incorporates an ancient Athenian village, built around it to both preserve and display it. Discovered during an excavation, this 4,000-square-metre insight into ancient Athenian living can be seen from the viewing platforms. And somewhat disconcertingly through the glass floors.

Upstairs you enter an extraordinary space, filled with statues and pottery findings from past civilisations, leading up to the Roman Empire. Move through and you can get up close and personal with a couple of caryatids, sculpted women who for a couple of thousand years bore the weight of the Erechtheion. And there are the strangely humbling Parthenon statues upstairs in the glass gallery. It’s quite the ride, and a must-see for archaeologist enthusiasts.

At the museum I joined a tour group

So I could traipse round and understand what I was looking at. The guide however spent half the time telling everyone how terrible the British were for stealing things. A fair point, I’ll concede, but not something I can personally fix whilst on a mini break. And her endless ranting made it impossible to enjoy the treasures. Eventually I got fed up of being told off for something I hadn’t actually done myself, and went off piste, abandoning the group. I wasn’t the only one to ditch, either.

Happier walking around at my own pace, and feeling less like a dog with its tail between its legs, I drifted through the beautiful statuary in a happy little dream. The museum is well laid out and enjoyable to walk around. But like any museum, one hits a limit eventually – or at least my lower back does – and it’s time to stop the drifting.

Thankfully, there’s a very good restaurant on site. Time for some lunch after my busy morning. Obviously the vast meal of last night and hearty breakfast of earlier haven’t quite done the trick because I’m all over this lunch like a cheap suit. Excellent wine makes my cheeks pink, and I work my way through both spanakopita and Greek salad, followed by some kind of slow cooked beef thing (not stifado) with potatoes.

I’ve impressed even myself. I’ve also knocked myself flat on my back – I grab a taxi and head back to the hotel. Time for a nap.

My ‘nap’ ends up being an all-nighter

I ended up feeling so fat and happy in bed that I stayed there. I ordered a bit of room service, and had a good night’s sleep. In the morning, we left early, and my only regret is that I didn’t get to explore the hotel further. I had wanted to swim in the pools, eat in the restaurants. But it was a flying visit, and hopefully I’ll be able to go back.

More than anything, I would urge anyone keen to see the ancient treasures of Athens to go right now, before it gets any hotter. I am here to tell you that – for this kind of experience – springtime is the best time to go to Athens.

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Why springtime is the best time to visit Athens appeared first on Silver Magazine.

There is so much of Mexico to explore. And when travelling, if you’re looking for something authentic, you always need to look that one step further. While popular tourist destinations like Cancun or Mexico City get all the attention, Lili Lowe on why you should consider Chihuahua in the north of Mexico for your next adventure…

If I’m being honest, I’d never really heard much about Chihuahua; apart from the dog, of course. So, when I decided to explore the Mexican region, I was excited to see a part of the world I didn’t know anything about.

The journey to Chihuahua was much like any long haul… a bit of a slog. With a 12 hour transatlantic flight to Mexico City, and a couple of hours on a connecting flight to get there – although a slightly less onerous nine-hour trip home – I was pleased to have my feet on the ground by the time I landed. It’s quite a trip.

Let’s start with Chihuahua City itself

Chihuahua might not be as big or famous as Mexico City, but it’s equally or maybe even more rich in history. One of the first things I learned was that the Mexican revolution of 1910 started in Chihuahua, rather than in the capital.

Within the city, we visited some beautiful sights, including Quinta Gameros Cultural Centre, a stunning, French-inspired mansion. It’s now owned by the local university and is a popular student hang-out. I was definitely a little jealous of the students who get to each their lunch here.

Quinta Gameros Cultural Centre

But my favourite spot by far was the house of Francisco “Pancho” Villa’s second wife, now called the is now the Francisco Villa Museum. María Luz Corral de Villa was second among 25 women who have claimed to be married to him at one time or another! He’s known as the Mexican Robin Hood, which might explain his appeal among the ladies. Marital matters aside, he was the former governor of Chihuahua and a pivotal part of the Mexican revolution.

We learnt about his rise to power, his arguments with his American neighbours, and his inevitable fall. The house, as per his request and after his second wife had died, was left to the military. Soldiers still mill around the mansion. They won’t smile at you, but they are friendly enough, if a little imposing.

Francisco Villa Museum

As well as the city’s historic charms, we stayed in District One or ‘The Modern District’ for the first couple of nights. In all honesty, it felt like a weird dystopia in comparison to the old town. Like Canary Wharf, but in the desert. It was still pleasant with lots of fancy cocktail bars, restaurants, health food shops, and even a café that had vegan options. It wasn’t my favourite part of the city but I can see why people would enjoy a night out there. Plus, it felt pretty safe. I don’t imagine the old town has much CCTV.

Chihuahua City ‘Modern District’

Wandering around Chihuahua City, the divide between those with money and those without is pretty obvious. A few of my travelling companions said that Chihuahua felt like it had been lightly touched by the western world, but much of it was left untouched. Religious buildings are everywhere, and there are houses that look exactly as you’d expect after watching a western set in Mexico. And of course, you’re conscious of the desert and mountains all around you.

Away from the Mexican metropolis

Wherever you look in Chihuahua City, you are reminded that you’re just in a small part of the state. There are mountains everywhere. And if you drive just 20 minutes outside the city, the landscape becomes unrecognisable. The desert stretches out for miles, populated by vultures, eagles, snakes and lizards. I was in awe, not necessarily because it was so pretty, but because it was so different to anything I’d seen before.

In the desert, we visited a Sotol distillery to see how the traditional Chihuahuan drink is made. It comes from Genus Dasylirion plants, which are found in north Mexico deserts, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. Sotol is a bloody unique drink; kind of smoky, not a million miles away from tequila, but a lot more ‘rustic’. It’s like nothing I’ve never tried before. A lot of it is also insanely alcoholic.

Obviously 10am is the perfect time to visit a distillery

Some of the many flavours of Sotol to choose from

The brother of the master distiller of Sotol taught us that to even sip the drink neat, you have to first produce a small ball of spit to the front of your mouth to enjoy it on the tongue.

I tried many flavours and learnt so much, such as how Sotol was only legalised in 2002 because of its strong ties to prohibition. When the authorities searched distilleries, the booze was buried in graves, which was a pretty effective hiding place. It’s probably not my drink of choice, but with ABV percentages ranging from 30 to 70, it’s a pretty good way to get the party started.

Getting up into the mountains

The drive up to the mountains was full of stunning views and winding roads. Every time we stopped, I was reminded of how lucky I was to be seeing this. The scenery is breathtaking.

We stayed in a small town called Creel. It was felt a bit like a Swiss mountain town but hotter, with dogs instead of goats, and far less yodelling. Before we settled in, we drove about an hour away to the Valley of the Monks, a stunning spot that overlooks giant, pointy rocks. They were probably more phallic than religious, but gorgeous all the same (picture above).

Rarámuri women

Traditional crafts by the Rarámuri people

At the Valley of the Monks, we met indigenous Rarámuri people. They live off the land in places completely untouched by the modern world. These are ‘high canyon’ Rarámuri people, and most of the women and girls were dressed in bright, beautiful traditional clothing. At the foot of a mountain that we hiked up, they were selling handicrafts, such as carved wooden earrings and handwoven baskets, and insisted on posing for pictures with us. Despite living mostly off the land, drought has been a real problem, so they still need pesos to survive.

Following a train journey by the Chepe Express (more on this below), we landed in Creel, and had dinner at a steakhouse. This limited my options as a vegan, but I was helpfully assured the meat was very nice. It’s a small town, but it has everything you may need and a lot of what you don’t too. As well as practical amenities, such as banks and pharmacies, there are gift shops and small markets.

The beautiful, colourful buildings were very photogenic and I was disappointed to have only spent a night there. It’s the kind of place where you could happily wile away a few days. Creel is high up, with an elevation of more than 2,300 metres above sea level. So if you suffer with altitude sickness, this may not be the place for you. In October, it was chilly at night, but a rather pleasant 25 degrees by day.

The Copper Canyons

I have to say, the biggest draw of Chihuahua has got to be the Copper Canyons, known locally as Barrancas del Cobre. Twice as deep and four times as large as the much-visited Grand Canyon, photos and words cannot describe the sheer magnitude.

Formed of three mountains, we drove for hours and stayed in multiple locations, yet I feel like I haven’t seen even half of the views, valleys and forests.

We spent a night at Hotel Mirador, which was built so that every room and common area looked out on the mountains. From my balcony, I could see valleys, Rarámuri settlements, blue jays, eagles, vultures and more. I got up early to watch the sun rise over the mountains. As I sat there with my tea warming my hands, music in my ears, watching as the world woke up, I honestly had a little cry. It was profoundly moving, and throughout my visit I often had to take a moment just take it all in.

The world’s second longest zipline starts here

One of the wildest things I did in the mountains was take a ride on the world’s second longest zipline. The experience lasts about three minutes and can reach speeds of up to 135kph, starting from a height of 2,248 metres. When I saw the drop and looked at the wire – which I couldn’t see the end of – I gulped a bit. But as soon as I was kitted up, I couldn’t wait to go. And it was amazing, every second was a thrill. You’re going so fast you spin, and I definitely whooped and threw my hands in the air like a proper tourist.

On the other side, however, you have to hike up to the cable cart station to get back. It’s about 700m and takes anywhere between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on your fitness levels. If you think the hike might be a bit much, the adventure park has many other options for everyone involved.

We stopped at a few viewpoints to see valleys and different aspects of the canyons. At every point, I was awestruck. One of the things I loved most was seeing how different life was in different parts of the mountains, from colder, harsher temperatures up the top to rainforest temperatures and humidity in the valleys. It’s so vast and expansive that I felt like I could never have seen enough.

Read more: why the over-50s are leading the way in adventure travel

The Chepe Express

Let’s talk about the train ride! This was definitely a highlight of the trip. It’s about nine hours by rail between Los Mochis to Creel, with five stops where you can get off for further exploration. During the trip, we crossed one of the country’s most imposing mountain ranges via bridges and tunnels, all gems of Mexican engineering. And this journey took place in an environment where excellent staff pampered us in comfort.

There are three classes; first, premium, and tourist. I was lucky enough to be in first, but did venture down to premium, which wasn’t greatly different. I didn’t get a look at tourist class, but was assured that is was still a nice experience. It’s not so much about the amenities but the views. Click here to check out the rates.

It was an incredible vintage train going through the mountains, it was spectacular, it was hot – especially getting off at Los Mochis at the other end – and it was mad. They love music in Mexico and there were so many places where music was blasting through speakers. This train was no different, but it did not take away from the experience at all.

As well as the canyons, tunnels and bridges, I saw cowboys – I’m talking about actual cowboys with lassos – which was pretty exciting. I implore anyone travelling to Mexico to consider this train journey. You will not be disappointed.

On the whole…

I had a fantastic time and I came home feeling like I’d really experienced something new and interesting, not like I’d just been on holiday. This sort of buzz may not be for everyone, but if you’re looking for a genuinely new and exciting experience, then this could be the trip for you.

A nine-night stay in Mexico (six nights in Chihuahua and three in Mexico City) with Audley Travel costs from £4,090 per person (based on two travelling). The price includes all flights, transfers, accommodation, a first-class ticket on Chepe Express and excursions in Chihuahua and Mexico City. www.audleytravel.com/mexico

Lili Lowe

Lili works across all the channels; writing articles, taking photographs, creating content, and designing eye-capturing imagery. She’s an animal-lover who cries just seeing a picture of a baby sloth.

The post Consider Chihuahua in Mexico for your next adventure appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Susanna Hoffs hasn’t really ever stopped producing music. But this new launch is different; this is a treasure trove of old songs from the ‘90s that didn’t get released. Hoffs recorded the tracks for The Lost Record in 1999. The songs were co-written with friends, including Bill Bottrell and Go-Go’s members Charlotte Caffey and Jane Wiedlin, with Dan Schwartz joining her to produce the album. And the tracks were recorded in her garage, a setting that holds special significance for her. “I love garage rock. Many of my favourite songs were written in garages, and I even lived in them during the ’80s.”

Susanna Hoffs is Zooming from — for reasons that sound like they should be more interesting, but actually aren’t — the spare bedroom of Bridget Jones author Helen Fielding’s house in California. She is dressed in pink and black; she’s always dressed in pink and black when we talk. She very much likes pink and black.

Susanna Hoffs, photo: Shervin Lainez

“Are you going to get my age right this time?” she teases. “You’re not going to make me any older than I actually am, again?”

Early last year I conducted a flurry of interviews with Hoffs, best known as one of the co-founders of The Bangles (where I got some dates wrong, hence the teasing). She’s often described as the lead singer of the band that, from the early ‘80s onwards, tore up the charts with singles such as Manic Monday, Walk Like an Egyptian, Eternal Flame, and their cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s Hazy Shade of Winter. Which (whisper it) I always thought was better than the original. But The Bangles — Hoffs, Vicki Peterson, Debbie Peterson, Michael Steele (the latter replaced founding bassist Annette Zilinskas, who later rejoined the band) — was always a four-vocals group.

Last year she realised a long-held ambition and saw her debut novel, This Bird Has Flown, published. And now comes the release of The Lost Record.

I tell Hoffs that it’s 40 years since the release of the Bangles’ debut album, All Over The Place, which would produce the singles Hero Takes a Fall and Going Down to Liverpool. “Are you sure?” says Hoffs. “You know what you’re like with dates.”

And yet, impossibly, it is. The band had previously released a five-track EP in 1982, but this was their first proper studio album. And it would bring them to the attention of not only the music industry, but artists such as Cyndi Lauper and Huey Lewis, who would get the band to open for them. And, most crucially, Prince.

The Bangles 1984. Photo: Aurelio Jose Barrera, Los Angeles

By the time the Bangles released Manic Monday in 1986 and Eternal Flame in 1989, their superstardom was assured — the latter single hit number one in nine countries. But the Bangles of five years earlier in 1984, when Hoffs was 25, was a less polished, more raucous affair.

“It was a very thrilling and exciting time to be in a band,” says Hoffs. “I mean, those pre-internet days. We advertised shows mostly by flyers, ads in free magazines like Recycler,” It was a real punk ethos, crystallised when she went to see what would turn out to be the last Sex Pistols live concert, at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco in 1978, when Hoffs was a student at the University of California, Berkeley.

She began studying theatre, then switched to dance, and finally settled on art, which was what she graduated with. “I jumped around a little, but by the end that all kind of coalesced into one big love of art in all its forms. And when I put that ad in for band members I think it was because at that point the idea of being in a band just seemed like the ultimate art project to me.”

Hoffs turned 65 in January. It seems a significant age.

I tell her that in the UK it was always a long-standing joke that when you hit that point you get your bus pass, though I have no idea if that’s still true. She laughs. “I know! Over here, we’d say I’m now eligible for Medicare!”

In the ‘80s especially, Hoffs was considered one of the most beautiful women on the planet. Before our interview she had posted on her social media a cover from Spin magazine, for which she was the cover girl for their “first annual swimsuit issue”. Given that the Bangles started off as a punky guitar band, how did she handle being called a sex symbol?

Hoffs laughs a little awkwardly. “I think part of that came from the rise of MTV in the 1980s,” she says. “Suddenly it wasn’t enough to just put out a record, there had to be a video with it. There were so many iconic videos at that time, and artists like Madonna were really pushing the sexuality. I used to handle that by creating a persona, really, for when I was performing.” She breaks out into a broad grin. “It’s like Nigel Tufnel in Spinal Tap. This dial goes up to 11. And that’s what it was like for me. I dialled it up to 11.”

Hoffs is a huge movie fan. Last year she did a feature for the Criterion film collection, highlighting her favourite movies. She included Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, La Piscine and Klute among her eclectic selections. One night she emails me out of the blue to ask if I’ve ever seen The Servant, the 1963 psychological thriller starring Dirk Bogarde.

It’s no surprise Hoffs loves film. She was born in LA in 1959, and her mother Tamar was then a film-maker, her father Joshua a psychoanalyst. Celebrities regularly visited the house (especially for her father’s expertise in a field that was in its relative infancy). One family friend was Star Trek legend Leonard Nimoy, who appeared in the video for Going Down to Liverpool. She is married to Jay Roach, the film director with the Austin Powers movies on his CV, among many others, with who she has two sons. She is currently writing the screenplay for the movie adaptation of her novel This Bird Has Flown, which was published a year ago.

Hoffs has appeared in movies. Notably as the delightfully-named Gillian Shagwell in the Austin Powers movies, part of the band Ming Tea. And in the 1987 movie The Allnighter, directed by her mother. The cover of The Allnighter very much leans into Hoffs’ sex symbol status, featuring her in pink underwear.

I wonder if Hoffs still considers herself a sex symbol. She is very active on social media, especially Instagram. Her Facebook account has comments turned off on posts, but within minutes of her putting up a video on Insta, there are thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, many of them from men declaring they are in love with her, in lust with her, and worse.

Last summer, when she was over in the UK to promote her book, we met for lunch in London, and I mused that her direct message inbox must be an absolute bin-fire. She winced a little, and said that she has someone to filter out the worst of it before she sees it. So, I ask her. Does she still feel like a sex symbol today?

“I don’t think of myself as a sex symbol. I don’t think of myself that way. Or are we talking about sex? I mean, I’m 65 now, I’m not going to retire from it, that makes zero sense. A lot of my friends are my age and older and, you know, we talk about it and we’re not going to retire from that, ever.”

I don’t think of myself as a sex symbol. I don’t think of myself that way

I find myself blushing. That said, there’s a fair bit of sex in her novel, This Bird Has Flown. It’s the story of Jane Start, an ever-so slightly faded pop star who goes to London to recharge her batteries, and ends up in a swoonsome relationship with a slightly uptight but good-looking Oxford professor. Jane is pretty much a one-hit wonder, now resorting to doing private shows for bachelor parties in nightclubs, her big success a song gifted to her by international superstar Jonesy. There has been speculation that Jonesy is a Prince analog; the purple one gifted the Bangles the song Manic Monday, and acted as something of a mentor for Hoffs. There was endless speculation about whether they were in a relationship, which Hoffs keeps her own counsel on.

She does call him a “supernatural talent” though, saying his live performances were just incredible to watch. In the 1990s Prince would help her indirectly, as well… when she was about to go on stage, when she was ramping up that public Susanna Hoffs performance to 11, she would listen to Let’s Go Crazy on her Walkman to get into the zone.

“It enabled me to make that transition from me to the other me” she says. “Things got giddy and crazy. And sometimes it took a while to come down from that, to get back to me.”

Susanna Hoffs Self Portrait in Garage 1994

Hoffs still performs and writes music. Around the same time her novel came out last year, she released a new album, The Deep End, her fifth solo album, before The Lost Record this year. For her, ageing is not something to be necessarily worried about.

“I think ageing is about learning to love yourself,” she says thoughtfully. “Acceptance is very important. We have to accept changes in our lives and bodies, because anything other than accepting who you are is going to drive you crazy.”

Hoffs often posts videos and photos of herself on her social media without make-up, just dossing around her house. “I think that’s important, too,” she says. “At least to me. Being comfortable in who you are, and who you’ve become. I think the trick is to stay positive, if you can, to find the joy in life, to keep active, to seek inspiration everywhere. One thing is guaranteed, we all get older, and I think life is better if you follow the direction of that river than fighting against it. We just need to embrace ageing and get on with life.”

“…You’re going to get older. The only thing about that which makes sense to me is just embrace it. I mean, what’s the alternative?”

It being 40 years since the first Bangles album came out, would Hoffs swap being 65 for being 25 again, if that magic of the movies could work? She laughs, “Oh, no chance. I think the wisdom and experience that comes with living is far more valuable.”

If we were going to employ that movie magic so Hoffs could meet her 25-year-old self, what would she tell her?

She thinks about it. “My job at that time was really stressful. Don’t get me wrong, it was very enjoyable, and I feel so lucky that I got to do it. There was so much travelling, and it was very difficult to stay grounded and to carry on relationships.

“I think I’d tell 25-year-old Susanna not to be so hard on herself. To not judge herself so harshly. To worry less. I’d tell her not to question herself so much and to be less afraid, to be more fearless.

“I think being in your 20s can be very anxiety-inducing, and I suppose that goes the same for young women today. You’re trying to figure out your place in the world. One thing is certain, and it’s probably not what young women want to hear or think about but it’s unavoidable. You’re going to get older. The only thing about that which makes sense to me is just embrace it. I mean, what’s the alternative?”

We wrap things up. Susanna Hoffs has a screenplay to write, and a new book to think about, and a new record to promote. The bus pass will just have to wait, it seems.

Buy Susanna Hoffs The Lost Record here, released 18 October 2024

Buy This Bird has Flown, novel by Susanna Hoffs here

David Barnett

David Barnett is an author and journalist, originally from Wigan and now living in West Yorkshire. His latest novel is the folk horror WITHERED HILL, from Canelo, and forthcoming, a magical Christmas rom-com, THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS LIBRARY (Orion). He is married to Claire, a journalist, and they have two children, Charlie and Alice.

The post Susanna Hoffs: The Lost Record… and the good life appeared first on Silver Magazine.

This initiative encourages people to swap their car keys for bike helmets and get people to cycle to work, promoting the benefits of cycling, including the significant cost savings and improved health on offer.

In May 2024, private plate specialists Regtransfers published an article around Walk to School Week, revealing that families could save over £400 a year – and reap serious health benefits – simply by walking all, or part, of the way to and from school. In a similar vein, Cycle To Work Day provides yet another perfect opportunity to weigh up the potential benefits. And savings on offer as a result of changing from car to bike for your work commute.

How much money could you save by cycling to work?

Unless you’re working fully remotely, the majority of UK employees travel further to their place of work than children do to school. As a result, the potential for saving on fuel, parking, tyre wear and other car-running costs is greater. Some journeys will be too far to be practical by bike, of course, but a 2022 survey by Project Solar showed that three quarters of the UK’s employed population travel around 10 miles or less to work.

In 2022, Cyclescheme estimated that cycling to work could save you £750 per year. Not long after, that figure increased to an impressive £1,262 annually. These savings come from reduced fuel costs, lower vehicle maintenance, and fewer parking expenses. Essentially, the further you cycle, the more you save.

What are the health benefits of cycling?

Beyond the financial perks, cycling offers numerous health benefits. Peer-reviewed studies highlight that cycling helps maintain a healthy body weight, reduces blood pressure, and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by 24% and cancer by 16%.

Mentally, cycling can reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being. It’s a full-body workout that promotes fitness and boosts your mood, making it a win-win activity.

What is a cycle to work scheme?

For the past 25 years, the UK government has backed schemes encouraging people to cycle to work. Poor fitness and lack of exercise has been earmarked as an aggravating factor to the increasing load placed on the already-struggling NHS, and cycle to work schemes offer a solution beneficial to the population’s health. What’s more, these schemes also reduce traffic congestion, pollution and emissions .

Cycle to work schemes offer a means of getting a bike and associated accessories through an employer, who signs up to the official scheme. In theory, everyone benefits from involvement – you, your employer, the government and the NHS.

Benefits to you

Amazingly, using a cycle to work scheme could see you save up to 42% on the cost of a bike. You can also get the cycle and accessories of your choice.

As mentioned, cycling to work could see you saving money on car fuel and wear and tear on your vehicle. Beyond this, you’ll benefit from improved fitness, wellbeing and overall health.

Benefits for your employer

There’s no cost involved in signing up to the scheme. Your employer could save up to 15.05% in National Insurance contributions for every participating employee.

On a more “everyday” level, more employees cycling means less need for employee parking facilities, and a fitter, healthier workforce who, in theory, will take fewer sick days; studies show that people who cycle to work on a regular basis take, on average, 1.3 fewer sick days per year!

Benefits for the Government

As previously outlined, the reduced load on the NHS and reduction in pollution and emissions is a serious benefit to the government, thanks to less traffic and congestion. There’s also the reduced wear on road surfaces to consider, which may save taxpayers forking out for roadworks and repairs.

How does it work?

Cycle to work schemes are a form of “salary sacrifice” – you get a benefit in return for a manageable sum that’s regularly deducted from your salary. In the case of Cycle to Work, the benefit is the bike.

Essentially, your employer would buy the bike up-front, and you hire it from them over a fixed period of (usually) 12 to 48 months. At the end of the hire period, you will have the chance to buy the bike from your employer. That price could be up to 25% of the cost of the bike and any accessories you acquired through the scheme.

The deal is a fair money-saver overall as, under the scheme, you will pay less tax because of the salary sacrifice element. If your gross salary is £1,500 and your salary sacrifice is £100, you won’t pay income tax on that £100, as it comes out of your pay pre-tax. This means you’d pay tax and National Insurance on £1,400, rather than £1,500.

Over the period of the scheme, the tax savings and total paid for bike rental and final purchase works out to save you money on the price you would have paid had you bought the bike without the scheme. That saving can be up to 42%, although it depends on the individual circumstances. There are savings calculators out there if you’re curious to crunch some numbers.

How can you get started?

Check with your employer to see if they have a cycle to work scheme. If they don’t, tell them about the benefits and ask if they’ll consider signing up. They may thank you for it!

If your employer is already on board, the process will go something like this:

• Check with your employer to see if there is a limit to the price of bike and accessories under the scheme. Some are capped at £1000, some have no limit.
• Pick the bike you want and the accessories you’ll need, such as a helmet, lights etc.
• Tell your employer the cost and, if they ask, the details of what you want to buy.
• Take your voucher to a participating retailer and exchange it for your bike and gear.
• Your employer will arrange your salary sacrifice payments.

A bicycle may not replace your family car for longer journeys. But it can certainly offer a great alternative when the distance is reasonable. Ask your employer to consider signing up, give it a try and experience the financial, physical, and environmental benefits of cycling firsthand.

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Sam on BBC radio, doing an interview, and talking all things Coming of Age, and why it’s worth hanging in there. Why things get better, and what there is to look forward to after 50. And the strength that comes from sharing that midlife is tough, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, and she’s living proof.

Click below to listen to the full interview. If you want to read Sam’s article, the one that kicked off this interview, you can read that here…

What is Midlife Coming of Age? It’s bloody brilliant, that’s what

Click here to listen to full interview

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If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post Sam full interview on BBC radio – Midlife Coming of Age appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Tina Fey’s sharp script from 2004 still holds up pretty well 20 years later. Mean Girls was one of those films that entered our vocabulary. “You can’t sit with us!” is a way to perkily exclude someone. “Stop trying to make fetch happen!” has been used countless times when someone tries to start a lame trend. And when someone is described as a “mean girl” – even if that person is well and truly into adulthood — the meaning is automatically understood.   

From screen to theatre, what are the differences?

Damian and Janis played by Tom Xander and Elena Skye. Photo: Brinkhoff/Moegenburg

Now Mean Girls has come to the stage at London’s Savoy theatre as a musical. There have been a few tweaks to the script because the world has changed and changed again in the past two decades. There are references to Ozempic, air fryers and smartphone filters. But perhaps the most significant change is making Damian and Janis, the two gay characters, the narrators. They replace Cady, the lead character and narrator played pitch-perfectly by Lindsay Lohan in the original film.  

It would be lazy and asinine to roll one’s eyes and scream “WOKE GONE MAD!” while waving a rolled-up copy of the Express at a cloud because of the new narrators. Bringing Damian and Janis to the fore is a great way to update the script. This doesn’t take anything away from a storyline that still resonates with pretty much anyone who went to high school.  

The prominence of Damian and Janis, performed excellently by Tom Xander and Elena Skye, modernises the show. It is a wonderful way to show how society has grown up and moved forward in the past 20 years. The script has come of age, along with wider society. Xander and Skye’s presence, peppered with dry humour and camp fun, is important for gay teenagers who will see this show.  

Changing times

That there hasn’t been an outcry over this change speaks volumes. No hysterical newspaper columns. No homophobic Twitter storm following the reviews. Good. While we are seeing a lot of increasingly angry, divisive and often toxic debate on LGBTQ+ issues, the elevation – without controversy – of two gloriously gay characters is a joyous, positive thing. It is a theatrical moment to be proud of.    

Regina George and Regina’s Mum. Played by Georgina Castle and Zoe Rainey.
Photo: Brinkhoff/Moegenburg

As for the story itself, fans of the film will be pleased to know it still follows the same 2004 arc.

The easy – some would say cheap – laughs are still there. Regina George still gains weight by accidentally devouring what she thinks is a diet supplement. Karen is still almost irredeemably stupid. Regina’s mother is still the tracksuit-wearing lush who wants to be her daughter’s best mate, rather than a parent.   

Would the script feel more 2024 if Regina became accidentally addicted to Botox and fillers? Maybe, although I’m not sure how that could be shoehorned seamlessly into the script.   

Was Karen’s idiocy laid on a bit too thickly? Maybe, although most of us can recall laughing at something daft someone said in class many moons ago. I remember one of my school friends responding to the history teacher asking, “What happened to Schleswig-Holstein after WWII?” She said, “he was shot.” I’m still a history nerd and that 33-year-old incident still cracks me up

As for Mrs George as the perma-drunk matey mum, I remember this genre of parent in 1980s and ‘90s rural Australia. I’m sure they still exist in the UK and beyond in 2024. They’re a fair target for parody. She (or he) could be reading this very article now.  

While this latest incarnation of Mean Girls has come of age, along with the rest of us, it’s not a classic coming-of-age tale. But it doesn’t have to be an earnest Dead Poets Society-style show. The universal themes of bullying, of wanting to fit in, of doing terrible things to each other all resonate way beyond our school days. In Mean Girls at the Savoy, they’re told with a lively script, a dizzyingly bright set and bouncy tunes.   

Another article you might like:Midlife Coming of Age

We are all Mean Girls deep down

Georgia Lewis and Sangeeta Pillai

My hot date for press night was the amazing Sangeeta Pillai, who runs an award-winning sex-positive podcast for South Asian women. Our school days were worlds apart. Mumbai and the Australian towns of Wagga Wagga and Bathurst might not have much in common at first glance, but we both went to school with people who are reflected in Mean Girls. Kids can treat each other abominably, no matter where you go.  

As Sangeeta and I discussed after the show, it is not uncommon to come across people in our adult lives who don’t seem to have evolved from when they were at school. Jacob Rees-Mogg, 55, is way too obsessed with where people went to school and what that supposedly says about them, for example. I can think of plenty of prominent people who make a fine living out of embarrassing attention-seeking. The other day, LinkedIn suggested I connect with a former boss who was – and for all I know and care, still is – the epitome of an overgrown mean girl.  

Schoolyard behaviour doesn’t necessarily end for everyone when they leave school. But the one thing we can control is our reaction to adult Mean Girls behaviour. The Mean Girls characters come of age and become better people before our very eyes on stage. And there’s no reason why we can’t go through this process multiple times when we’re adults.    

The Plastics. Played by Georgina Castle, Charlie Burns, Elena Gyasi and Grace Mouat
Photo: Brinkhoff/Moegenburg

Without giving too much away, there is an inevitable resolution at the end of Mean Girls. And in midlife, many of us come to our own realisations and resolutions about how we treat other people – and how we expect to be treated by others. It’s a bonus coming of age. My latest coming of age process has been about setting boundaries and not being afraid to cut out toxic people.   

There is plenty for grown-ups to relate to in the Mean Girls musical, whether it’s teenage characters who give you schoolyard flashbacks, teenage characters whose behaviour is reflected in adults, or adult characters who make you feel seen.

Above all, Mean Girls is a lot of fun. The main reason to go along is to have a good laugh. But only the most sheltered theatregoer will leave without having a few thoughts provoked by Tina Fey’s fantastic writing.    

Book tickets here: Mean Girls Stage Show

Georgia Lewis

In a career that has spanned Australia, the Middle East and the UK, Georgia has written about all sorts of things, including sex, cars, food, oil and gas, insurance, fashion, travel, workplace safety, health, religious affairs, glass and glazing… When she’s not writing words for fun and profit, she can usually be found with a glass of something French and red in her hand.

The post Mean Girls stage show – our review appeared first on Silver Magazine.

In the summer sun, there’s two things you need. An ice-cold beverage of choice, and a little something to read. Here are some of our top summer book recommendations. Whether you’re into romance, drama, horror, thrillers, science fiction… we’ve got something on this list for you. 

 Crime – A Cyclist’s Guide to Crime and Croissants by Ann Claire

Cosy mystery. Set against the backdrop of the stunning French countryside, crime and murder build up, hitting close to home for recently migrated Sadie, who is left grappling for clues as her bicycling tour company comes under scrutiny when her old boss ends up dead. 

Drama –  Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

A tense family drama. When a successful family begin to crumble and crack, questions arise. But do the Delaney family want to solve these mysteries, when the now-grown children realise that the most obvious suspect in their mother’s disappearance is their own father? 

Historical – Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon

Set in 412 BC after the failed invasion of Sicily. Two local potters begin to visit prisoners, enticing them to recite lines from Euripides in exchange for food. With little real work to do, Lempo and Geldon decide to perform a play with the help of the prisoners. But as the show date creeps closer, it becomes difficult to distinguish between enemies and friends. This historical tale will have you hooked. 

Romance – Beach Read by Emily Henry

Two writers. One holiday. A romcom waiting to happen… Both broke writers suffer from crippling writers block, amongst other things.  Despite their different writing styles, the pair place a bet to swap genres and see who gets published first. You could say this is the perfect ‘Beach Read’.

Horror – Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

A transformation begins. Motherhood is hard, tiring, and exhausting. At home full time with a two-year-old, this protagonist’s loneliness is suffocating, but her hobbies are changing. Instead, when her child won’t rest, she begins to gain new things… New senses, new appetites, new instincts. And from deep within herself, a new voice begins to howl. This hilarious and brilliantly unique horror tale will have you at the edge of your seat. 

Mystery- The Wrong Daughter by Dandy Smith

What would you do if you came home to find your daughter missing from her bed? When Caitlin and Olivia’s parents leave them to go to a dinner party, they return to find one bed empty. Their eldest daughter is gone. Until a now grown Olivia steps forward. But is she all that she seems? And is Caitlin telling the truth about what happened that night? Dark, and chilling, this page turner is not one to be missed this summer. 

Thriller – Yellowface by R.F Kuang

How far would you go to have commercial success? When failed writer June Hayward witnesses her rival Athena Liu die in a freak accident, she sees her opportunity to get what she wants, and takes it. Stealing Athenas final manuscript and publishing it as her own, she also begins to steal Athenas identity. An identity that is not hers to claim. This best seller will certainly keep you entertained, and shocked at the extent some will go to for success. 

Murder Mystery:Murder on Stage by F.L Everett  Set in 1940’s England, detective Edie York focuses on solving a suspicious murder in the midst of the Blitz. Warm, cozy and compelling, this page turner will have you on the edge of your seat as you dive into a world of crime. Do you have what it takes to solve a murder? This is the third book in the Edie York mystery series, and they just keep getting better.

Dystopian – The Blueprint by Rae Giana Rashad

Maybe dark dystopian futures are your thing? Set in a dystopian Texas where choice no longer exists, Solenne Bonet has an algorithm determine her occupation, spouse, and residence. She finds peace in penning the biography of an enslaved ancestor from 1800s Louisiana. But when paths weave with high-ranking government officials, she must decide whether and how to leave behind all she knows.  

Science fiction- I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream and Other Greatest Hits,  by Harlan Ellison

 Now this book is for anyone who wants to have an existential crisis pool-side. Filled with five stories, each unique and slightly terrifying, these science-fiction futures are certain to entertain. But most importantly you won’t want to look at technology for the rest of your holiday duration. 

Fantasy- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

A magical library filled with secrets. How would you look back at your life? And what would you regret? On her last day on earth Nora finds herself teleported to a magical library. Where she is given the chance to undo mistakes and look at all the other lives she could have lived. But is it too late, things have already gone from bad to worse? And with unlimited choices and possibilities what is the best way to live? 

 Another article you may like: Getting your car ready for a summer roadtrip

 Comedy – I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue 

After an unfortunate IT error allows Jolene access to all her coworkers emails and private messages, initially she is horrified. The less she knows about them the better.  However, once she realises the power she now holds, Jolene uncovers a lot more than she bargained for. Filled with humour and a little romance, this is one for the pool-side.

 Fiction- Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

Not all journeys’ have to be to outer space. Cyrus has always been lost. He’s grown up haunted by the mysteries of his past, losing his mother whose plane was shot down. This tale explores how revelations and new people can change your life, whether it be for the good or the bad. 

Non-fiction –It’s Not Hysteria (Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health) by Karen Tang

Women’s health often flies under the radar. Many of us know what it is like to go to the doctors with a feminine issue, and feel unheard. It’s Not Hysteria explains crucial information about abnormal periods, PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids, to more complex aspects of gynaecological care like fertility, sexual health, and hysterectomies. This book empowers readers to act and advocate for themselves with healthcare professionals, and get talking about reproductive health.  

Isabella Poderico

Overly enthusiastic and obsessed with everything a little nerdy, Isabella has written about everything from movie premieres to politics. She can often be found, as many writers often are, sitting in front of her laptop typing away obsessively in an extortionately priced independent coffee shop.

The post Summer book recommendations 2024 appeared first on Silver Magazine.

To celebrate the month of June, we’re brushing up on our LGBTQ+ history with seven of the most influential icons of the community. We’ve got a long old history of hard-fought fights and iconic individuals, so why not show some, er, pride?! But who are the most influential and famous LGBTQ+ icons through history? 

We’ve tracked some extraordinary people doing extraordinary things, from the 1700s to the present day.  In no particular order…

Marsha P Johnson

Marsha P Johnson (1945-1992)

As one of the most well-known names on this list, Marsha P Johnson was a self-identified drag queen and rights activist. She was a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and vital to the Stonewall riots of 1969. 

The Stonewall riots began what we know as Pride today, a protest and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Johnson was essential in the formation of Pride – some even say she threw the first brick. 

The ‘first brick’ story has since been debunked, but that doesn’t make Johnson’s involvement and continued activism any less amazing. 

Beyond Stonewall, Johnson was a vocal activist, forming multiple organisations to support fellow members of the LGBTQ community. She protested for the rights of gay and transgender people, as well as supporting those affected by the AIDS crisis.  

Whether she threw the first brick or not, Marsha P Johnson will always remain one of the most influential icons of LGBTQ+ history. 

Alan Turing

Alan Turing (1912-1954) at Princeton University, 1936

Alan Turing is among the most well-known LGBTQ+ figures, and for good reason. As a World War Two computer scientist, Turing cracked the German cipher in an essential breakthrough for the war effort. He was also the source behind many other scientific breakthroughs, such as the Turing machine, which solves abstract mathematical conundrums. 

Sadly, despite Turing’s crucial work, he was still prosecuted in 1952 for his homosexuality, undergoing outdated medical treatment to both ‘cure’ and punish him. He died just two years later. Whether this was by suicide or whethr he was poisoning remains a mystery. 

Turning’s death is truly a tragedy, but his legacy lives on in countless memorials, from buildings, to awards, to computer programs and more. As a truly influential figure of LGBTQ+ history, Turing is also memorialised in the 2013 Alan Turing law. This law pardoned him and many of their crime of homosexuality. Homosexuality is no longer a crime in the UK today, and Turing is one of many to thank for that. 

Anne Lister

Anne Lister (1791-1840)

Anne Lister was born in Yorkshire in 1791, and grew up to be a landowner, a lesbian, and an all-round awesome icon in our history. 

Lister was a hot topic of conversation back in day for her masculine gender presentation, and her ‘masculine’ position as a landowner. Both were very uncommon for women at the time, making her stand out against the status quo. 

She is best known today from Gentleman Jack, a TV show based on her diary entries and letters to partner Ann Walker. Same-sex marriage was illegal at the time, but that didn’t stop the pair from deciding they were married anyway. That’s an incredible level of confidence you just have to respect. 

Clearly Lister was no sheep, no matter the stares or insults she faced. Gentleman Jack even names itself after a common insult for Lister, a modern day slap in the face to those who mocked her. Needless to say, she’s an absolute icon of LGBTQ+ history.

Harvey Milk

Harvey Milk (1930-1978) at Gay Pride, San Jose 1978

Harvey Milk, born in 1930, was the first openly gay US official. He was elected to public office in California following a proud history of gay rights activism. 

Milk was an outstanding figure of protest, with intense and brilliant quotes such as, “If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door.” He was tragically killed in this exact way. Just a year after entering office, he was assassinated by a fellow American politician. 

His short time in office didn’t stop Milk from fighting for essential changes to US laws. He strived for the protection of LGBTQ+ Americans, sponsoring a bill which banned sexuality-based discrimination in housing and employment. This bill passed, marking an incredible milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in America. 

He’s celebrated today with the 2008 film Milk, based on his incredible life as an activist, politician, and influential LGBTQ+ icon. Though his political career was cut short, his contributions to LGBTQ+ history were essential in the fight for change. 

Another article you may like: What your transgender child wishes they could tell you 

April Ashley

April Ashley (1935-2021)

Born in 1935, April Ashley was one of the first people to undergo gender-affirming surgery in the UK. As a transgender rights activist, Ashley was prominent in the fight for equality. Even her own divorce case was used for positive legal change to benefit the transgender community. 

In the 1960s, her husband requested an annulment on the grounds that Ashley was not legally a woman. This atrocious reasoning was then approved, with their annulment being granted in 1970. All because Ashley’s legal gender was stuck as male with no way to change it. 

Even though Ashley lost the case, her story was still used in 2004 to help pass the Gender Recognition Act. Through this, she was finally allowed to change to her legal gender to female after over 60 years. 

As a vocal transgender activist, and key figure in the fight for gender-affirming laws, April Ashley continues to be remembered as an incredibly influential figure in LGBTQ+ history. 

Radclyffe Hall

Radclyffe Hall (1880-1943)

Marguerite Antonia Radclyffe Hall (known by her penname John) was an English poet and author born in the late 19th Century. She is best known for her 1928 novel The Well of Loneliness, a novel that truly cements her legacy as an icon of LGBTQ+ history. 

The novel depicts a lesbian relationship – still very much taboo for the time – and ends with the extraordinary line, “Give us also the right to our existence.”  

Unsurprisingly, such an iconic work was banned for its “scandalous” content, but that didn’t stop Radclyffe Hall’s influence from spreading far and wide. Especially among those who needed it most. 

Radclyffe Hall’s work became symbolic of those stuck in the closet (to use a more modern term). It represented LGBTQ+ people unable to represent themselves in a world where self-expression remained a crime. Having offered a voice for those who needed it most, Radclyffe Hall deserves to be celebrated as a brilliantly influential LGBTQ+ icon. 

Chevalier d’Eon

The Chevalier D’Eon (1728 -1810) from the London Magazine 1777, British Cartoon Prints Collection

Born in 1728, Chevalier d’Eon was one of the first transgender and gender non-conforming people in modern European history. They were a French diplomat, soldier and spy as part of a secret organisation under King Louie XV. An incredibly cool figure for our queer history tour. 

They presented as both masculine and feminine in their lifetime until 1777. That year, the king officially recognised d’Eon as a woman, so long as they presented as feminine for the rest of their life. A pretty bizarre deal for gender recognition by today’s standards. But it did come with a free wardrobe courtesy of the king himself. And d’Eon got to keep their incredible undercover life.  

D’Eon is known by many for their fencing prowess. Including defeating a French soldier in one particularly influential duel while presenting as a woman. Their legacy has been celebrated by many well-known figures such as Mary Wollstonecraft, for their incomparable contributions to both women’s rights and transgender rights. 

As a remarkable soldier, spy, and one of the first to legally transition, d’Eon is definitely an LGBTQ+ icon to be proud of.

Lady Phyll

Phyll Opoku Gyimah (1974 – )

Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah, also known as Lady Phyll, is a political activist, campaigning for both LGBTQ+ rights and anti-racism. For anyone noticing the use of present tense there, you read right. Lady Phyll remains an influential rights activist to this day, still going strong in her co-founded charity and event UK Black Pride. 

UK Black Pride was formed in the hopes of uniting and celebrating LGBTQ+ people of colour, promoting unity and advocating for anti-racism within and towards the community. Self-described as both a party and a protest, its contribution to LGBTQ+ history is essential, fighting for a more inclusive LGBTQ+ community. 

Lady Phyll will undeniably go down in history as an influential icon of the LGBTQ+ community. And she continues to be politically active today, acting as Chief Executive of her own charity. Her influential story is far from over, and so is the fight for change. 

The future of Pride 

We can learn a lot from the influential LGBTQ+ icons of the past. What unites us all is not our struggles, but instead the strength of our community. It is our united fight for a better future that makes Pride what it is today.  

And it’s not over yet. We still have a long way to go in our fight for equality. 

To get involved, consider checking out the official Stonewall website for more information on events, charities and protests.  

Aiden Winn

Aiden is an editorial and production staffer at Title Media. He’s constantly looking for opportunities to have fun and get creative, whether it be art, baking, storytelling… you name it!

The post Pride. The kickass famous LGBTQ+ icons through history appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Want to reconnect with your roots? Or has one of those ancestry kit advertisements finally caught your eye? There are so many seeds of inspiration which may lead you to start looking for your family tree. 

Family history is always something which has intrigued me. Coming from a dual nationality household has always allowed for interesting developments to appear. The twisted branches lead to the uprooting of family secrets, maybe you have a mysterious great aunt? You will never know until you start your family tree.  

So how do you start your family tree? 

Adelaide Augusta Clark (Layfield) (1876-1972). She was the daughter of a sea captain from Hartlepool, and is one of my great-great grandparents.

Talk to family 

One of the best places to start is by talking to your surrounding family members. Which will, I’m sure, lead to stories as you start to gather names, dates, and places.  

Online ancestry websites 

Using online tools such as the Ancestry DNA website will aid you remarkably, even with a hefty price tag. Having these resources make it easier to gather documents, certificates etc, granting you access to what is effectively a historical online archive. If you don’t want to make researching your family tree a costly endeavor, census records are a great place to start, and can be accessed via The National Archives.  

Online communities 

There are communities online of genealogy forums, filled with people in the same position as you. Through speaking to others in the ‘family tree’ community you could unravel a plethora of tips and tricks to aid you in your own research. 

Groups include Ancestry DNA, Ancestry for All and DNA Help for Genealogy UK.

If you’re looking to dig deeper into historical contexts or streamline your research with advanced technology, try an AI history solver – Edubrain.ai. This tool offers automated assistance in connecting historical facts, events, and familial ties, helping you uncover stories and patterns in your lineage with precision and efficiency.

In-person resources 

You do not have to do all your research online. Local libraries are a fantastic starting point, as they contain historical information on the local area, along with photograph and microfilm collections. National Archives are also brilliant resources, containing thousands of comprehensive records and collections of photographs and letters. 

Why should you work on your very own family tree?

Sense of duty and passion 

Pouring hours into ‘watering’ your tree provides a profound sense of duty and passion, not only is it a fun hobby to keep you preoccupied on a rainy day, but your work is something which can be kept for generations to come. It’s your own family archive to pass forward generationally. They pass on memories of loved ones, but also protect and unearth the hidden lives of everyone before you. This forever growing tree will continue long after you’re gone. Just as it did for every ancestor before you. Weirdly I think that’s pretty beautiful.  

Wider historical understanding 

Gazing back at history allows you to place your family’s history within the broader context of historical events. In turn, enhancing historical understanding and highlighting the impacts historical events had on your relatives.  

The pair on the left are my great grandparents Wilfred Furness Layfield (1901-1946) and Freda Hinchcliffe (1902- 1969) at 1920s wedding. Wilfred served in the WW2 Royal Ordinance Corps.

Self-reflection and identity

Growing your family tree from something so small to one vast and magnificant allows for self-reflection. It has the potential to impact your sense of personal identity, and even your social class and ethnicity. 

Recognition of comfort  

 Looking back at historical struggles, and obstacles faced by relatives provides a sense of comfort. Life continues, and ultimately history is there for us to learn from. I think this has genuinely helped me recognise my current privileges and the comfort which surrounds me. 

Family closure 

Closure may be another reason why people choose to work on their family tree, whilst this may not apply to all, healing family drama and settling potentially distressing information can truly lead to peace of mind.  

Health and preventions 

Continuing on a serious note, family trees can lead to vital information regarding health and genetics coming to the forefront. This crucial information has the potential to provide insight into genetic conditions, allowing for better health management and preventative measures to best protect you and your loved ones.  

Family trees can lead to potentially vital information regarding health and genetics coming to the forefront

My personal experience

Luigi Poderico (1608-1675) Naples, Italy. My very great grandfather, who was a Knight of the Military Order of Calatrava,  and a governor and captain general of Galicia. He commanded the Spanish troops against the Portuguese as part of the Portuguese Restoration War . There is a square dedicated to him in Naples, Italy.

One Christmas my grandma waltzed into the living room, declaring that for the past six weeks she had been tirelessly laboring on ancestrydna.co.uk to create a family tree for the British side of my family. Somehow tracing my family tree’s roots back to the 9th century, an impressive feat.  

In a folder now lies hundreds of documents, birth, marriage, and death certificates, each one telling a small piece of someone’s story. I think it’s fascinating to imagine the lives of those who lived several hundred years before us. Their struggles, love, hopes and dreams all condensed to names on a tree.

Thomas Furness Layfield (1872-1937) North Yorkshire, England, another great-great-grandparent

Another article you may enjoy: Brace, brace! Preparing for your grandchildren coming

I am one of those people who the DNA testing kit adverts did indeed get to, and for my birthday several years ago I ended up treating myself to one. My results were exactly what I was expecting, 50 percent both Italian and English, so this told me nothing new. However, one of the main features of the DNA kits is that it automatically connects you to ancestors and relatives who are still alive and have also taken the test.

According to this 23 and Me DNA kit, I have 1500 currently alive relatives who have taken the test, including a second cousin whose existence I was not aware of until forking out £100 for the kit.

This immediately expanded my family tree drastically, showing me family members (although extremely distant), who now live in America, Brazil, and Australia. Although this method of researching your family lineage doesn’t really help you uproot and uncover historical secrets, it still provides further excitement as you watch your family tree branch out to unimaginable heights.

Something else surprisingly fun regarding these DNA kits is that it tells you how ‘Neanderthal’ you are. I am less than 2 percent Neanderthal which apparently, is low. So I’ll take that. 

Now off you go! Get to work on your very own family tree, or cut to the chase quickly, and purchase a DNA testing kit… if you haven’t already. 

Isabella Poderico

Overly enthusiastic and obsessed with everything a little nerdy, Isabella has written about everything from movie premieres to politics. She can often be found, as many writers often are, sitting in front of her laptop typing away obsessively in an extortionately priced independent coffee shop.

The post Family history – how to start on your family tree appeared first on Silver Magazine.