Getting SERIOUS
Attitude UK|March/April 2023
Not content with making the nation laugh, comedian turned campaigner Joe Lycett has taken to speaking out on the issues of the day - from David Beckham becoming the face of antigay Qatar in the World Cup to the UK government's immigration policy. We loved him before but now we love him even more...
Cliff Joannou
Getting SERIOUS

Hands down, the prize for most sensational stunt of 2022 goes to Joe Lycett. The comedian and artist and TV presenter and (somewhat reluctant) social justice warrior closed the year in even more spectacular fashion than the vivacious ensembles he is accustomed to wearing when he called out David Beckham. The former England captain had spent the past two decades courting the gays, then sold his ally status for a hefty pay cheque (rumoured to be in the tens of millions) to be the face of Qatar - where same-sex relations are illegal.

The stunt began with Joe threatening to shred £10,000 that would otherwise be going to charity if David Beckham did not address his endorsement deal of the country that punishes gay relations with the death sentence. Beckham remained silent, and the money along with his Attitude cover and Beckham's gay icon status was shredded. Of course, the money wasn't actually destroyed. "I would never be so irresponsible," Joe said in a video that went viral, revealing the money had indeed been donated to two LGBTQ+ charities.

This is not the first time Joe has become a champion for good. Through his Channel 4 TV show, Joe Lycett's Got Your Back, he has taken on big business when it has trampled over the public's rights, challenging companies like Hugo Boss and Shell, among others. Of course, the government has not escaped a lashing from the comedian's razorsharp tongue, with Liz Truss and the Home Office's immigration policy all falling under Joe's scrutiny. Needless to say, Joe Lycett has more than earned his place in this year's Attitude 101 Media & Broadcast category.

Presenter, comedian, artist... how would you describe your career to a stranger you've just met who, for some bizarre reason, has no idea who Joe Lycett is? I'd make some sort of shit joke about Julian Clary and then ultimately refuse to answer any more questions, directing them to my website/Wikipedia page.

Denne historien er fra March/April 2023-utgaven av Attitude UK.

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Denne historien er fra March/April 2023-utgaven av Attitude UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA ATTITUDE UKSe alt
SUPER TROUPERS
Attitude UK

SUPER TROUPERS

Happily married couple Mark Gatiss and lan Hallard have collaborated on a play inspired by lan's devotion to ABBA. Now beginning its UK tour, The Way Old Friends Do is not about the Swedish superstars, but two mates performing as ABBA in drag. We interviewed the pair to find out more...

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10 mins  |
March/April 2023
Welcome to MIAMI
Attitude UK

Welcome to MIAMI

We explore the queer and vibrant streets of Miami Beach before getting a feel for Wynwood, Miami's trendy up-and-coming neighbourhood

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10+ mins  |
March/April 2023
Work of ART
Attitude UK

Work of ART

Michael F. Rumsby always aspired to be an artist. After a very successful career in PR, he's now following his passion full time, as he shares here

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5 mins  |
March/April 2023
Right MOVES
Attitude UK

Right MOVES

Meet a fashion icon who can do it all. Sakeema Peng Crook is an international model, content creator, dancer and activist whose mantra is embodying positive change

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1 min  |
March/April 2023
Getting SERIOUS
Attitude UK

Getting SERIOUS

Not content with making the nation laugh, comedian turned campaigner Joe Lycett has taken to speaking out on the issues of the day - from David Beckham becoming the face of antigay Qatar in the World Cup to the UK government's immigration policy. We loved him before but now we love him even more...

time-read
7 mins  |
March/April 2023
Transforming LIVES
Attitude UK

Transforming LIVES

In 2020, Dani St James founded Not A Phase, a charity that wants to make a difference for trans and gender-diverse adults. Here, she tells us more

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4 mins  |
March/April 2023
A breath of FRESH AIR
Attitude UK

A breath of FRESH AIR

From encouraging cycling to implementing Ultra-Low Emission Oliver Lord has made London's controversial Zone, eco campaigner great strides towards cutting pollution

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5 mins  |
March/April 2023
Freer THAN EVER
Attitude UK

Freer THAN EVER

Actor Adam Ali on bringing their \"queer Arab magic\" to film and TV, including Waterloo Road, coming out, and how they hope to inspire and influence positive change through representation

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8 mins  |
March/April 2023
Aqua MAN
Attitude UK

Aqua MAN

As one of the few publicly gay professional swimmers, Team GB's Daniel Jervis discusses coming out, the highs and lows of 2022 and what's up next

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9 mins  |
March/April 2023
Baptism OF FIRE
Attitude UK

Baptism OF FIRE

Here, globetrotting guru and founder of LGBTQ+ travel website Every Queer, Meg Ten Eyck writes about her recent trip to Burning Man

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8 mins  |
March/April 2023