GAY TIMES Magazine

31 January 2020

February. An issue talking about love. Where’s the Devil Wears Prada ‘groundbreaking’ gif when you need it? Thing is, these pages are full of extraordinary people doing their bit to make the lives of queer people that little bit better. On the cover for our Love Out Loud issue is US singer-songwriter Lauv, who has built a massive fanbase – and a significant LGBTQ following – for his bared-soul approach to songwriting. He speaks candidly about mental health to break down stigma and create safe spaces for vital conversation between people who may be suffering. He’s a modern-day pop prince, singing directly about the ups and downs of life in a progressive and refreshing way. But central to the message of his music is self-acceptance and learning to love yourself so you can better love those around you. You don’t have to listen too hard to understand why millions of people – and particularly those who feel like outsiders – connect with his music. It’ll be of little surprise to you that that message is echoed more than once from the other queer people who we’ve spoken to for this issue. From Jillian Mercado, a model and actress who has just starred in The L Word: Generation Q, to Drag Race royalty Sasha Velour whose new live show is inspired by the love of their mother – there are stories and experiences in this issue that outline the capacity that unconditional love can have to inspire, educate, and ultimately change lives.