

Articles (63)

The best hotels in NYC
Hospitality is something that New York prides itself on and that is pretty clearly evidenced by its best hotels. Every kind of traveler can find their perfect holiday haven in this glorious city, from sleek boutique hotels in the cityâs trendiest neighborhoods to opulent luxury stays near the top NYC attractions. Youâll even find some of the best spas and restaurants tucked inside their lobbies. Whether youâre a first-time visitor to the Big Apple or a local craving an inner-city staycation, these properties take the cake when it comes to hospitality and hotel perks. Cue room service. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in NYCRECOMMENDED: Cozy cabins near NYCRECOMMENDED: The best cheap hotels in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best spa hotels in NYCRECOMMENDED: The most romantic hotels in NYC RECOMMENDED: The best hotels with hot tubs in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best waterfront Airbnbs near NYC RECOMMENDED: The best family hotels in NYCRECOMMENDED: The coolest Airbnbs in Brooklyn This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

A ne pas manquer aujourd'hui Ă Paris
Si votre mĂ©decin vous conseille de manger cinq fruits et lĂ©gumes par jour, chez Time Out Paris, on vous fournit vos cinq bons plans quotidiens Ă ne pas manquer en ville. Avec, comme dâhabitude, rien que la crĂšme de la crĂšme des sorties. De l'expo dont tout le monde parle au bistrot bien planquĂ© en passant par le festival qui s'apprĂȘte Ă embraser une des nombreuses friches parisiennes⊠Tout, vous aurez tout pour ĂȘtre comblĂ©s aujourd'hui Ă Paris. Cet article comprend des liens d'affiliation. Ces liens n'ont aucune influence sur notre contenu Ă©ditorial. Pour plus d'informations, cliquez ici.

The most romantic hotels in Chicago
No matter what gets you in the mood, Chicago's hotels are perfect for a romantic vacation, staycation or bae-cation with your person. But which of the city's hotels are the most appropriate for a seriously loved-up time? Below are some of our top picks, based on everything from jaw-dropping skyline views and lavish room features to quality dining experiences from some of the best restaurants in Chicago. Whether you're coming from out of town for a romantic getaway in Chicago or merely looking for a steamy staycation, these luxurious stays are sure to satisfyâso pack your overnight bag and prepare for a night to remember at Chicago's most romantic hotels. Alexa: dim the lights. RECOMMENDED: Discover secluded getaways near ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best spa hotels in Chicago This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The 21 best things to do in Oxford right now
The world-class museums. The scenic waterways and parks. The hallowed halls and libraries and corridors where Nobel Prize-winners, prime ministers and literary giants spent their formative years. Oxford is chock-full of brilliant things to see and do, and best of all, many of them are free to visit.Sure, several of the most famous attractions â from punting and choir services to galleries filled with ancient treasures â have something to do with the cityâs storied university. But alongside all the Oxbridge buzz, youâll find a rich industrial past, meandering rivers crying out to be explored by kayak or paddleboard, and a strong arts and music scene that brings a little edge to this most conservative of cities. Read on to find out about the best things to do in Oxford, from perennial favourites to little-known haunts. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Oxford

The 18 best things to do in Florence
Itâs true what they say: Florence really is the city of lurrve. And not just because itâs got a whole host of romantic things to do with your partner (or bestie), but because youâre guaranteed to fall in love with the city itself. Florence is one of those Italian cities that has it all, and itâs pretty big too, so youâre going to need a plan in place to get it all in. Firstly, itâs well known that Florence is home to some of the best art going, from Renaissance pieces at the Uffizi to Michelangeloâs marble. But peppered between its most well-known sights are quaint cafĂ©s, food markets and brilliant restaurants for pasta and more. Plus old ancient buildings to get lost in, best enjoyed with a slice of pizza in hand. Ready for your love affair to begin? Hereâs 18 things to do in Florence that you just canât miss. RECOMMENDED:đ A complete guide to shopping in FlorenceđŠ Here's where to eat the best gelato in FlorenceđĄ The best Airbnbs in Florenceđš The best hotels in Florence

The 22 best things to do in Milan
Magnificent, marvellous Milan. Milano has an intangible quality that cannot be faked, an undeniable sense of style that permeates almost every neighbourhood and flows through the veins of those from here. Beautiful buildings and hotels are everywhere, the food is a triumph. Shopping? Oh, baby, get ready to splash the cash and flash the plastic because Milan is where people go to be seen. Oh and make sure you don't miss out on its incredible Airbnbs if you need somewhere to stay, too. The best thing to do in Milan is to look your best and feel more stylish than ever before, but the city also packs in a fabulous number of more traditional tourist activities to sink your teeth into. Follow our guide and Da Vinciâs canals, and youâre in for a darling of a time. RECOMMENDATION: â± How to spend the perfect weekend in MilanđŽ The best restaurants in Milanđ The best hotels in Milan đ  The best Airbnbs in Milan

The best Airbnbs with indoor pools in the U.S.
A vacation isn't really a vacation without a swimming pool, right? The water somehow has the ability to wash away all your worries and bring you peace. But sometimes the weather just doesn't allow it. Fear not, there are indoor pools, you know? We've selected the best Airbnbs around the USA with indoor pools to help give you that water fix you're craving. From Pennsylvania to California, South Carolina to Massachusetts. Whether you're looking for budget options or you're splashing out with your family or friends on something a bit more luxurious, you'll find tons of variety. RECOMMENDED:The most spectacular places to swim in the worldDestination-worthy spas and wellness retreats in the USThe most impressive Airbnbs treehouses in the US This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The most romantic Airbnbs near NYC
Fancy a romantic getaway, reconnecting with your other half? What better way than to head out to the gorgeous areas surrounding NYC in an equally-gorgeous and romantic Airbnb? Nothing says romance like sleeping in someone else's bed. Live out your rom-com chick-flick fantasies and spend the night in the Big Apple before frolicking off to somewhere cozy for the night. Luckily for you, there are a million and one places to stay listed on Airbnb. From off-the-grid cabins to riverfront cottages, we've picked the best of the best for your holiday romance. Read on, star-crossed lovers, read on. RECOMMENDED: Valentineâs Day in NYC guideRECOMMENDED: 10 Airbnbs that'll make you feel like you're in EuropeRECOMMENDED: The sexiest hotels in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.Â

The most romantic hotels in Los Angeles
Los Angeles might not be the first place you think of when choosing a romantic location for your next trip away, but we're here to tell you that amidst the glamour and glitz, L.A. is actually pretty romantic. Cue the violins. With plenty of picturesque restaurants and enough date night ideas to keep the flame of passion going for years, Los Angeles is ideal for loved-up couples. Whether youâre planning a romantic trip to Los Angeles or are an Angeleno looking to make your partner swoon (aren't we all?), here are the most romantic hotels in the cityâwhich also happen to be some of the best hotels in L.A. Say I love you in a dimly-lit and highly atmospheric hotel bar. Who said romance is dead? This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The 13 best Airbnbs in New England
You name it, New Englandâs probably got it. Stunning seaside? Check. Rich in nature? Obvs. Buzzing college towns? You bet. The six states that make up the region â Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts â all boast historic urban centers, characterful towns, and hugely varied natural landscapes. If you're heading to New England on a little vacation, you're probably wondering where best to stay. Well, luckily for you weâve done the hard (and fun) bit and picked out a bunch of super interesting places to stay in New England. Fancy something rural? We've got it. A cool city-center apartment? Yup. Treehouse? Possibly. Read on to find the region's best Airbnbs. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The 16 best Airbnbs in Florida
Beach vibes and sunshine only. Florida is known for its incredible beaches and the outrageous number of sunny days per year. Ugh, jealous. But Florida is actually also one of the Union's most diverse states. From the Evergladesâ world-beating nature to the Sunshine Stateâs unique cities, thereâs a world to discover in the Panhandle and beyond. Let's not beat around the bush, there are a ton of reasons to visit Florida (not just for Disney World). And when you do visit, there's no doubt youâll need a top-tier place to stay â which is where we come in. Weâve sifted through the stateâs Airbnbs to find the finest around so there's something to suit everyone. Happy vacay, baby. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The 15 best walking tours in London
Londonâs one of the most walkable capital cities in the world. Indeed, in many ways, London is the anti-L.A.: here people think youâre mad if you do drive a car around town. Besides, nothing quite lets you get to know a city like a good walk around â after all, London existed long before there were any forms of public or private transport more sophisticated than a horse. Plus, after trekking across half the city, you have the perfect excuse to sit down with a pint (or two). Sure, bus and boat tours are good, but thereâs nothing quite like a London walking tour. From basic sightseeing treks to specialised theme tours, whether youâve got a day, an afternoon or just an hour, thereâs some sort of tour out there for you. Buckle up, folks: hereâs our pick of the best walking tours in London. Need more sightseeing inspiration? Check out our list of 101 things to do in London. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
Listings and reviews (4)

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody
The thing about biopics is that the creative team begins at a disadvantage â not only do they have to produce something that satisfies as entertainment, but their representation of the historical figure has to win out against the viewerâs own preconceived notions. Weâve already formed a pretty robust image of that person in our heads and, letâs be frank, we often donât like to be challenged on what we feel to be true. It takes a spectacular effort to make us think otherwise. Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody â directed by Harrietâs Kasi Lemmons written by Anthony McCarten (Darkest Hour) takes on the challenge with limited success. Across 146 minutes, the film does its best to cram in every detail on the pop singer and actor (played by Naomi Ackie) and her meteoric ascent from the gospel choir to the Superbowl. Such a tack normally spells only the most surface level engagement with the subject. Unfortunately for this biopic, it follows suit.  Viewers are swung from one critical moment to the next, with scenes feeling blurred or leaving unanswered questions. As the once-obscure vocalist inches towards the height of her fame, Houstonâs relationship with assistant Robyn Crawford (Nafessa Williams) feels simultaneously central and tacitly engaged with, mournful glances and circular inferences do much of the heavy lifting for what might have been a powerful and direct corrective. Cementing her legacy as âThe Voiceâ in the late 1980s and early â90s, weâre introduced to t

Happiest Season
This year has given us a number of unexpected offerings, but a queer Christmas film is not one we saw coming. Co-writer and director Clea DuVallâs Happiest Season follows a lesbian couple, Harper (Mackenzie Davis) and Abby (Kristen Stewart), as they head to Harperâs family home to celebrate the festive season. Itâs only halfway through the car journey there that Harper reveals quite a fairly important detail to Abby: she hasnât come out to her straight-edged, conservative family. Abby, whose plans to propose to her girlfriend over Christmas are scuppered, finds herself taking on the role of Harperâs straight roommate. Cue chaos. Quite literally made for the role of the awkwardly charming lesbian, Stewart shines as we watch Abby navigate Harperâs overly competitive family and reckon with the slow realisation that the woman sheâs fallen for turns into a closeted high-school mean girl when sheâs back in her hometown. Alongside the classic holiday high jinks, Happiest Season promises humorous explorations of personal authenticity, family dynamics (both biological and chosen) and the complexities of queerness. However, it doesnât quite manage to tick all those boxes and throws you into darker ethical quandaries than you might expect from a festive flick. Most of these â such as Harperâs stream of selfish and questionable decisions â are left barely explored or even acknowledged. Youâll find yourself frustratedly gesturing towards the screen â particularly if youâre a queer viewe

Elizabeth I: Construction of an Icon
Just when you thought that London couldnât take on any more drag queens, the mother of them all deigns to grace us with her presence. No, not RuPaul â Elizabeth I. This Friday, performer Christopher Green will be lacing up in regal garments based on the famous âArmada Portraitâ, donning a ginger wig and tackling the role of the original Liz for the one-off performance piece âElizabeth I: Construction of an Iconâ. Starting at 10.45am at the Queenâs House â site of Greenwich Palace, where the monarch was born in 1533 â the âQueenâ will cruise upstream on a Thames Clipper and proceed in state from the London Eye to the National Portrait Gallery, accompanied by âladies of the bedchamberâ â members of the Amies Freedom Choir, survivors of human trafficking who use their music to raise cultural awareness. On arrival at the NPG, âElizabethâ will be viewing her portraits and posing for a life drawing session with her loyal subjects. Between the costumes, the pomp, the powerful message of the choir and the whole performance, you wonât ever have seen anything like this before.

London Landmarks Half Marathon
Opportunities to work up a sweat on the London tourist circuit are usually limited to queuing for Madame Tussauds in July. But the London Landmarks Half Marathon offers a chance to check out the sights, get some exercise and raise money for charity. Founded in 2018, itâs the only half-marathon to go through both the City of London and Westminster on closed roads, giving runners a unique route past icons such as Big Ben, St Paulâs Cathedral and the London Eye. For spectators, itâs a great day out with plenty of race-day entertainment. Catch performances from singers, dancers and musicians, take a free guided history tour, discover under-the-radar sites like the house where the Gunpowder Plot was hatched and meet some historic and fictional Londoners, with a tribute to the world of Harry Potter. Itâs a one-day transformation of central London, and you can enjoy it even if you couldnât run a bath.
News (39)

Five of London's prettiest canalside neighbourhoods
Back in the day, London's historic canal network used to be smelly and industrial. Now though? Canalside neighbourhoods are some of the prettiest in the city â and are great places to live. Think: well-connected walking routes, heaps of hip coffee shops, and windows overlooking the water. Here's a quick roundup of some of the city's best. Andy Parsons The extremely well-connected one: Kingâs Cross Whatâs it like? You might know it as the home of trains and a big Waitrose, but thanks to some extremely chichi development work, Kingâs Cross is now the proud owner of numerous sparkling pedestrianised squares, canalside sunbathing spots, posh restaurant chains (hello, Dishoom!) and the bougie outdoor shopping mall Coal Drops Yard. Basically, move here and youâll never run out of Aesop. Best places to eat and drink? Granary Square Brasserie does a mean steak tartare, then roll over to nearby pub The Lighterman for a pint on its pretty terrace. Any downsides? If youâre after a quiet neighbourhood, give this one a wide berth. Kingâs Cross is buzzing well into the early hours. How much would it cost to rent a place here? According to property aficionados Rightmove (who let us know all the prices in this piece), the average rent is ÂŁ2,958 per month. And to buy? An eye-watering ÂŁ1,094,282.    Matt Russell The hip one: Hackney Wick Whatâs it like? This east London area has a vibrant but kinda weird energy. Once home to a community of artists living in warehouses, itâs now fil

Activist Lady Phyll on experiencing racism growing up in London
Enfield Town was my regular haunt as a young person. On London Road, there was a place called the Townhouse where you could learn how to dance tap, ballroom and disco. In 1983, when I was about nine or ten, I met my friend Hayley at the Townhouse and we found that a National Front march was taking place on the street that day. An old woman with a tartan shopping trolley told me to hide in a shopfront. She said: âThe people coming down here donât like your sort.â Hayley, being white, blonde and blue-eyed, kept an eye out while I hid. I saw these big burly men in bomber jackets and steel-toecapped DMs, with swastikas in tow. I will never forget that. I was utterly frightened of these men. The next day, I asked my history teacher why we were learning about Henry VIII rather than slavery. I didnât have the language to articulate how I felt. As I got older, I turned some of that anger into passion. I worked for a trade union and studied labour relations. Had that march not happened, I wouldnât have challenged my teachers or entered into the work I do now. I only went to the Townhouse once after the march. I guess I had felt free up until that moment. UK Black Pride will be three-day digital event this year. July 2-July 4. Read more from this series: Candice Carty-Williams reminisces about the Camberwell market of her childhood Dane Baptiste on his first stand-up gig, in a London wine bar

This outdoor dining terrace has a canopy made from umbrellas lost on the tube
Picture this: itâs the year 2019. Youâre sat on a jam-packed tube, sopping wet from one of Londonâs familiar downpours. Some stranger is essentially sat on your lap while the elbows of the person to your left keep nudging you, as they desperately try to rectify their drenched face of make-up. Your stop is approaching â oh wait, no, itâs here! You wrangle through the masses to alight. As you step off, it dawns on you: bollocks, youâve left your umbrella. Safely on the platform, you mournfully watch the tube whizz away with your only protection from the elements outside. But could it be that you might be reunited with your beloved brolly? London Bridge restaurant Bala Baya has found a handy use for your lost property, by launching the Discarded Umbrella Winter Garden. Burak Can Aksit The Israeli-inspired eatery is inviting guests to drink and dine under a colourful canopy of Londonâs finest lost brollies, having sourced 200 forgotten umbrellas from the London Underground. Not only is it a visually stunning cover, but itâll also protect you from the unpredictable outlook while doing your outdoor socialising this winter. And bonus points if you bring an umbrella to donate to the display: youâll snag ÂŁ1 off one of Bala Bayaâs cocktails. Bring two, and you get ÂŁ2 off... you get the idea. So if youâre missing the tube â or worse still, your favourite weather protector â head on down for a little throwback in among the Tel Aviv flavours. Bala Baya is at Arch 25, 229 Union St, SE1

Candice Carty-Williams reminisces about the Camberwell market of her childhood
I grew up in Streatham but my family and I would go to different markets most weekends. East Street Market in Camberwell was my favourite. It was where my nan would get nighties, socks and knickers from. I have all these memories of being in this loud market filled with people from every walk of life. It was an incredibly vibrant place. When I was younger, with no sense of direction, I didnât understand where exactly East Street Market was. It dawned on me when I got older and started getting the bus to Camberwell. The first time I heard âEast Street Marketâ on the tannoy, I nearly lost my mind. It had been this mythological place from my childhood and suddenly it was real. Iâve never visited the market as an adult. I wanted to leave it as it was because I was so heartbroken at Brixton Market turning into something I didnât understand. Visiting the same spaces and being respectful of them since I was a child means that Iâve always had gentrification on my radar. So much of my work is concerned with how things change and how we lose the connection that we had to them. I want to remember East Street as the magical marketplace I visited at the weekends. âQueenieâ by Candice Carty-Williams is out now in paperback (Trapeze, ÂŁ8.99). Follow Candice Carty-Williams on Twitter. Read more from this series: What Rye Lane in Peckham means to presenter Yinka Bokinni. Michael Dapaah on Recreation Way, the estate he grew up on.

Travis Alabanza reminisces about The Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Around 2015, I lived near The Royal Vauxhall Tavern on Kennington Lane in Vauxhall. It was around the time that I first started performing in London. I basically lived at the Tavern â I was either there working or watching performances. Vauxhall became the first place, outside of my home in Bristol, where I felt like I knew the beat of it. I would walk past the Tavern when it was open and Iâd stop for ten minutes and have a chat with the security guard or have a cigarette with someone I knew in the pub. My career grew while living near Kennington Lane. The Tavern is the only venue in London where Iâve performed so often over the years you can see my growth as an artist. If you know your queer history, you can throw a penny from Kennington Lane and probably hit a legend. The Tavern is the oldest LGBTQ+ venue in the country and there have been some amazing performers there. Doing shows there was an education for me â when youâre not trained as a performer, you learn in the clubs. I miss living there. Kennington Lane was really foundational for me. Long live The Royal Vauxhall Tavern! âOverflowâ by Travis Alabanza is at The Bush Theatre. Dec 8-22. Read more from this series: Dane Baptiste on his first stand-up gig, in a London wine bar. Jade Anouka on her formative years in a New Cross flatshare.

Actor Jade Anouka on her formative years in a New Cross flatshare
When I graduated from drama school at 21, I rented a flat on Troutbeck Road with two mates, one who Iâd met at drama school and another Iâd met at the National Youth Theatre. Living there shaped the person and the actor I am today. At the time, I wasnât acting that much but I was working three jobs. Iâd come home and the three of us would look for auditions. A lot of rejection happened in that house. It was there that I developed a thick skin for this job. But a lot of my firsts happened in the three years I lived there too: my first TV gig, my first lead in a Shakespeare play. The road is quite close to Goldsmiths and Camberwell College of Arts and thatâs definitely represented in the area â thereâs so much creativity and so many interesting characters. I worked in a cafĂ© down the road and met loads of locals. Iâd learn my lines while I was serving people. Everyone would say good luck. If Iâm in the area, I sometimes go back to the road for nostalgia. I still think about the variety of life there that inspired me with my work. Living on Troutbeck Road nourished me in more ways than I can count. Jade Anouka is in âHis Dark Materialsâ on BBC One. Read more from this series: What Rye Lane in Peckham means to presenter Yinka Bokinni. Candice Carty-Williams reminisces about East Street Market.

The street that changed my life: comedian Sophie Duker on Ridley Road
Iâve lived in Dalston for six years. I remember thinking that I was an adult because Iâd finished university so therefore needed to live in London. I had two requirements for the location â I needed to be able to easily buy plantain and get products for my hair. My best friend and I found a flat just off Ridley Road Market with a Pakâs hair shop on the corner. It was a dream come true. Ridley Road Market is one of my favourite places in London. If Iâve had a stressful day, I just walk down the street and it calms me. I like the fact that everything in a bowl costs a pound. I can buy a yam if I want. I mean, itâs been six years and I havenât bought one yet but itâs good to know that I can. In 2016, I ran a feminist comedy night, Manic Pixie Dream Girls, at Dalston Roof Park, which overlooks Ridley Road. I decided to do a comedy festival with my friends, comedian Lolly Adefope and poet Bridget Minamore. This idea weâd had turned into a magical place with music and comedy. It was a beautiful night and marked the beginning of my comedy career. For me, Ridley Road is the most perfect bit of London. Follow Sophie Duker on Twitter and Instagram @sophiedukebox. Looking for more places to hang out in east London? Hackneyâs Towpath CafĂ© has reopened (and itâs doing dinner). Time Outâs Love Local campaign is supporting local food, drink and culture businesses in London. Find out how you can help save the places that make our city great.

The Street That Changed My Life: presenter Yinka Bokinni on Rye Lane
Rye Lane is the road that paints a picture of my youth. I was born and raised in Peckham and that street is where most of my memories are. Itâs where I had my first drink, in a bar opposite the train station that doesnât exist any more. I still remember watching âCoach Carterâ at Peckhamplex. The screen broke but the manager said we wouldnât get our money back because weâd only paid ÂŁ2.99 for the tickets. My mum passed away 11 years ago and Rye Lane brings back memories of my family. Sheâd make us go shopping and walk the bags all the way home instead getting the bus four stops. I donât live in Peckham any more, but I come back to get my hair done, as itâs the land of Black haircare. Working in radio, the sounds of Rye Lane have always been inspiring. If you walk from Asda towards Peckham Rye station, youâve got shops blaring radios, gospel music coming from churches and the sounds of the market. Itâs eclectic. I often think about how weird it is when you move out of an area and youâre no longer there to see the mundane. The mundane becomes quite beautiful. Yinka Bokinni presents âDamilola: The Boy Next Doorâ on Channel 4. Broadcast date TBC. Read about how Brixton Courtyard brought clubbing back to London (kind of). Time Outâs Love Local campaign is supporting local food, drink and culture businesses in London. Find out how you can help save the places that make our city great.

Tanya Compas is changing the lives of Black queer young people in London (and beyond)
The word to describe Tanya Compas is âexuberantâ. Iâm sat with the youth worker on a bench in Peckham Rye Parkâs Japanese garden, halfway between her place and mine. Itâs the height of one of this summerâs sporadic heatwaves and the combination of the bright rays and her infectious energy is dazzling. Itâs no wonder the 28-year-old has built a loyal following of thousands on Twitter and Instagram. When she talks about her work, you canât help but feel invigorated. Right now, Compas is overjoyed. A couple of weeks ago, a crowdfunder she created to help her support Black queer young people around the country smashed its initial target of ÂŁ10,000, raising more than ÂŁ100,000. Thatâs ten times what sheâd hoped for it. The success was Compasâs most widely reported action, but itâs not the first time sheâs made a huge impact within her community. In fact, while you might only just be learning Compasâs name, sheâs quietly been changing the lives of young Londoners for years. âItâs hard to navigate the charity sector as a Black queer woman, even within queer charities with other queer people, because itâs still inherently white with so many biases,â says Compas. âThey donât acknowledge that how they view these young people can impact the level of care theyâre given. They see their Blackness and therefore, view them as strong [and needing less help]. Even within queer-run charities, you see young Black queer people being systematically failed and often reliving cycles of trauma â itâs

Virtual LGBTQ+ spaces will be just as important when lockdownâs over
To say that the pandemic has been tough on LGBTQ+ young people would be putting it lightly. The past few months have seen rises in job losses and unstable employment - and of course, weâve all been locked down in our homes. This has been bad for everyone. But has especially exacerbated issues that members of the community are already vulnerable to, such as homelessness. During lockdown, Switchboard, the north London-based LGBTQ+ helpline, reported a spike of 20% more calls, emails and instant messages than they did before the pandemic. including LGBTQ+ people who have come out during isolation and are in danger of being kicked out by unsupportive family members. Natasha Walker, Switchboardâs co-chair, shares that the helpline has a huge influx of calls from trans and gender-nonconforming folks: âOne thing weâre all very aware of right now is the pausing of gender-treating, gender-affirming surgery, and gender clinics having to shut down or really strip back their services.â Thatâs why the cancellation of this yearâs Pride events, such as UK Black Pride and Pride In London, has hit hard. These annual gatherings and protests have historically offered LGBTQ+ folks a space to celebrate and affirm our identities â even when thereâs not space to do that at home. However, despite unprecedented challenges, queer organisers continue to demonstrate that spaces for our communities can be carved out anywhere. This year, itâs just meant going online.  Photograph: International Transgend

9 craft kits to order that will keep you entertained during lockdown
Looking for activities to fill the hours youâd usually spend having nice pints with pals in the pub? If youâre prepared to pivot to wholesome, we have a solution for you: loads of cool London makers have been bringing out DIY kits over the past few weeks, meaning you can get creative without leaving your sofa. Thereâs everything from brewing to pottery to collaging â and the best thing is that if it turns out youâre shit at whichever craft you pick, no one has to know (just shove the result of your making session to the back of a cupboard and forget about it forever). 1. Fill a terrarium Not got a garden? Make your own tiny one in a jar. Wardian London and Botanical Boysâ terrarium kits come with plant materials, a glass vessel and courier delivery (starting price ÂŁ28). Order the one you want and then join a virtual workshop (running on selected Mondays until June 22) to learn how to put it together.  Photograph: Botanical Boys     2. Embroider some stuff Shopping for new threads may not be high up on your list right now but that doesnât mean you canât customise what you already have. Get crafty with London Embroidery Studioâs beginnersâ hand-embroidery kit (ÂŁ29.99), which comes with needles, yarn and more. Once youâve got your newly upcycled wardrobe, make sure you arrange a fashion show via Google Hangouts â itâs only right. 3. Make a whole bike Although weâre all social distancing, you can still get active outside while following guidelines on non-essential conta

What is nature cramming and how do you do it?
Thatâs what weâre calling the urge to squeeze as much green into our lives as quickly as possible once the rain has finally stopped and we escape self-isolation. The talk The Hayward Galleryâs âAmong the Treesâ exhibition already has us pumped about trunks, but did you know itâs doing talks too? Have a small existential crisis as you learn about the worldâs oldest living things with artist Rachel Sussman. Hayward Gallery. Waterloo tube. Mar 24. ÂŁ7.50. The big one Chelsea Fringe (the flower showâs less Tory sibling) is always full of edgy ways to connect with plants. The schedule will be revealed soon but expect unusual workshops and smart guided walks. Multiple venues. May 16-24. The craft sesh Make a (recycled glass) terrarium full of ferns and foliage while getting shitfaced on a surprisingly strong gin cocktail at this 90-minute workshop, held conveniently close to Motherâs Day. Harvey Nichols. Knightsbridge tube. Sat Mar 21. ÂŁ65. The show-and-tell Scientists who work through the night in order to collect moths are unsung heroes of the natural research world. Find out more about their escapades at the Natural History Museumâs âA Night in the Jungleâ event. Itâs even being held in the so-called Attenborough Suite. Natural History Museum. South Kensington tube. Fri May 15. Free. Want to explore London on a bit more? Here are the capital's prettiest walks