Ben Smoke
The rave salvaging toilets for London’s queers
Happy Endings — Public bathrooms have long been contested spaces for LGBTQ+ communities, and rising transphobia is seeing them come under scrutiny. With the infamous rave-in-a-bog at an east London institution, its party-goers are claiming them for their own.
Written by: Ben Smoke
First acts for Boomtown 2025 revealed
Sex Pistols ft. Frank Carter, Azealia Banks and Nia Archives join Sean Paul, The Wurzels and Boney M at the award winning festival.
Written by: Ben Smoke
The film celebrating 40 years of queer resistance
Alongside the re-issue of Bronski Beat’s iconic ‘Age of Consent’, the band have worked with acclaimed filmmaker Matt Lambert to create a powerful new video for single ‘Why?’ exploring four decades of struggle.
Written by: Ben Smoke
The party putting accessibility and politics centre stage
From streaming DJ sets in their kitchen during lockdown to the stage at Wembley arena Queer House Party have taken the world by storm whilst always staying true to who they are.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Picking through the rubble: Glimpses of hope in the US election results
Clambering through the wreckage of the Harris campaign, delving deeper into the election results and building on the networks that already exist, all hope is not gone writes Ben Smoke.
Written by: Ben Smoke
In photos: Rednecks with Paychecks
‘American Diesel’ is a new photo series that looks at the people, places and culture behind the stereotypes of rural America.
Written by: Ben Smoke
How do you solve a problem like the music industry?
Beyond the Music is a conference and grassroots festival bringing together people from across the industry to try and grapple with the biggest issues facing it.
Written by: Ben Smoke
The Blessed Madonna: “Dance music flourishes in times of difficulty”
The DJ talks about her debut album ‘Godspeed’, connection and resistance on the dance floor, the US election and more alongside exclusive pictures from her album release party.
Written by: Ben Smoke
In photos: Boomtown 2024 after dark
Traffic cones on the sesh. A Donald Trump drag king. Gurning Teletubbies. It’s a mild night at Boomtown Fair, and photographer Bekky Calver was there to capture the action.
Written by: Ben Smoke
How to stay safe whilst resisting the far right
Drawing from trusted organisations, seasoned activists and years of first hand experience, Digital Editor Ben Smoke has created a guide to fighting the fash and staying safe.
Written by: Ben Smoke
London Trans+ Pride is breaking records
With 60,000 people on the streets, the fifth iteration of the event made history as the largest ever trans pride.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition
After the success of it’s inaugural run, the festival returns this autumn with exhibitions, education and community programmes exploring a world in constant motion through still image.
Written by: Ben Smoke