Author, Mark Akst tells us about his Mark Cohn Quadrology, an imaginative and fast-paced speculative 4 novel series that explores queer leadership, identity, and power through the lens of Jewish history and modern geopolitics.

One of the novel’s central figures is the first openly gay prime minister of Israel, whose leadership unfolds during a global crisis tied to ancient texts and emerging technology. Through this character and others, the book opens conversations about visibility, ethics, faith, masculinity, and how queer identity intersects with power and public life.

Plus we catch up with the South West Fetish group where they explain just what fetish is, how it's open to all (over 18's of course) and bring us up to date on their upcoming events.

This Week, Cape Town South Africa: Now entering its fourth year with over 25 productions to its name, LEGACY has established itself not merely as an event, but as the architectural backbone of Cape Town’s queer Ballroom community - a space where the hierarchy is respected, the competition is strictly adjudicated, and the culture is preserved. To understand LEGACY, one must understand the global history it references. Ballroom culture emerged in New York City in the late 1960s and 70s, created by Black and Latino trans and queer communities who were systematically excluded from established drag pageants. In response, they formed "Houses" - alternative kinship structures led by "Mothers" and "Fathers" - and created "Balls," where members could compete for status and affirmation.

PLUS It's also LGBT+ history month so we went back through our archives and found a lovely interview former ShoutOut team member Ben Bird recorded way back in 2012. He caught up with the lovely Peggy who ran the The Radnor Hotel - the best place to be in Bristol after the war, up until it's closure around 1976 (though it did open its doors again as many different things after that).

Peggy passed away in 2021 but we were lucky enough to get her take on the importance of the Radnor, and a glimpse into gay life many decades ago.

Lurid Editions are in the studio, a new Queer publisher of old LGBTQIA books with something to say. ALSO; Lucy went to cover Scritch Cabaret. She chats to Oliver Asset and Kurt Sovain of Brizzle Boys who organise it, Esme Doll - Bristol's youngest drag queen and singer songwriter, Em.

From Dance to HIV testing to Pride, we cover it all here on ShoutOut. Choreographer Mathieu Gefferé chats about his upcoming productions, Brigstowe chat about the importance of HIV testing and Bristol Pride's Daryn Carter tells us about what's coming up this summer and the struggles Prides have with funding.

“There is rice at home” is a well known saying in African households to signify that we already have an abundance of what we need. “Rice at Home” extends this conversation in a documentary directed by Louise Ndibwirende and produced by Martha Redfern which brings together elders from Rwanda, Bangladesh and India as they reflect on their experiences of heritage, culture and ancestry.

PLUS: Pride Padel, inclusive, non-profit padel tournaments and socials in Bristol, creating a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ players and allies to get active, meet people, and try a fast-growing sport that many haven’t had access to before. The events typically host around 40–48 players and regularly sell out, with people travelling from across the South West to take part.

Kris and Ryan tell us about their experiences of same sex adoption. In recent years in England, around 1 in 5 adoptions were to same-sex couples — about 20% of all adoptions in 2023/24. NOTE: The UK government data typically reports family composition (e.g., “same-gender couple”) rather than sexual orientation directly, so some LGBTQ+ adopters may not be fully captured in the number of adoptions). In 2025 figures show roughly 610 adoptions by same-gender couples out of ~3,040 total, which is about 20.1% of all adoptions. 

PLUS: The Arts, Lucy looks into what's happening within the Queer scene.

World Exclusive: we reveal the identities of the Bristol Dynamic Duo. They go where others fear to tread, causing FM mayhem and Diabolical DAB. It's a mash, crash and bash story of 2 superheroes. From causing traffic accidents due to the overrated music they play, to talking about pillows. We reveal ALL!!! ALSO, January can be a tough month, we look at what help is available for the LGBTQIA community.

Nowt as Queer as folk... We chat to QPOC socials about their very friendly group, plus Queer and Quaker, we chat religion and politics...

Happy New Year!! "Oh no it's not..." Oh yes it is! And what better way to kick the new year off than with the traditional ShoutOut Panto. This year we're getting a bit scary with bad acting, silly jokes, and a haunted castle - what more could you want!

It's CHRISTMAS!!! Oh yes it is! And we love an excuse to let our hair down and have a bit of Christmas fun. This week, Andy takes the helm, as is tradition, and brings you the ShoutOut Christmas Cracker - a show full of quizes and festive fun.

Grab yourself a pen and paper, or a tablet if you are modern, and play along with the team.