Editor’s Letter
In both the UK and US, October is a moment to reflect on our past. In the UK it’s Black History Month, while in the US it is LGBT History Month. They represent two histories that have too often been whitewashed, suppressed and rarely taught in the way that they should. History is told by those who write it, which up until now has overwhelmingly been the heterosexual white cisgender male. But things are shifting and progress is being made. Marginalised voices are being allowed to tell their own stories more and more, and those history books are beginning to truly reflect the society and experiences we live.
This issue of GAY TIMES Magazine reflects on queer Black history, but largey focusses on celebrating the intersection of Blackness and queerness today. We spotlight talent and key figures who are changing the conversation through positivity, inspiration and innovation. By leaning unashamedly into who they are, their art and activism is rich, fuelled by a desire from audiences to see and hear more diversity in mainstream media.
What a year it has been for our cover star this month. Dréya Mac has built upon her breakout success during the pandemic to emerge as one of the most exciting British artists in rap. It’s no mistake that she has amassed millions of streams of her music, with her astute songwriting hitting all the right notes. Fresh from headlining UK Black Pride – and with fans including Kehlani and Rihanna, no less – Dréya speaks to us about her creative process, and how being a queer artist allows her to be that representation that has been so rare in UK rap. “I realised quite late after I started music that saying ‘her’ and ‘she’ and talking about my girl in my songs whilst being a woman made an impact,” she tells us. “Me doing this is actually giving my community songs they can sing along and relate to because yeah, we can sing along to men talking about women, but we still can't relate. It's a big deal because we've just not had this representation before. I’m really an accidental activist.”
Elsewhere in this issue we speak with Hollywood star Ts Madison, who continues to make history with everything she does. This year she has been sampled on Beyoncé’s groundbreaking new album, leaning more into her role on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and will star in Billy Eichner’s upcoming rom-com Bros. “I’m a huge staple within popular culture,” she rightfully states in our interview. “If you hashtag Ts Madison on TikTok, the impressions I have are insane.”
This issue also sees Munroe Bergdorf and Tayce speak to us about the second season of their MTV show Queerpiphany, and how their infectious brand of chaos continues to spread queer joy. “To have a show on MTV, and have it be with Tayce as well... A Black trans woman and a Black drag queen have their own show on MTV, which is huge,” says Munroe. “You would have never thought that when I was growing up, so it's amazing how time changes. I'm excited to be part of that change.”
We also have special features on an insight to the wonderful world of the UK ballroom scene, as well as a British history of Black queer spaces over the past few decades. This issue celebrates Black queer excellence in the world today, the trailblazers carving out a new generation of icons, and an insight to the history being made right now.
Lewis Corner Editorial Director