Vada Magazine • 3rd February 2026

“Representation is so important right now”: astrophysicist and co-founder of Pride in STEM Dr Alfredo Carpineti on LGBTQ+ visibility at a time of distrust in science

The astrophysicist turned social activist sits down with Hadley Stewart to discuss the invisible rainbow in science and innovation.

Vada Magazine • 14th January 2026

Justin Myers on his most ambitious novel yet: “We still do not know how to handle someone else’s grief.”

The author and journalist sits down with Hadley Stewart to discuss his latest novel, abuses of power and conversations about grief.

Vada Magazine • 30th November 2025

What’s next for the creatives behind Manchester Pride after its collapse? This group of freelancers might have the answer.

Local creatives Adam Carver (Fatt Butcher), Jonathan Banks (Banksie), Lucky Roy Singh and Nathaniel J Hall are hoping to raise funds for those who have been left out of pocket.

Vada Magazine • 27th October 2025

“An enormous threat”: Kaleidoscope Trust CEO Alex Farrow on Trump’s influence on global LGBTQ+ rights.

In the wake of president Trump’s dismantling of USAID funding, Kaleidoscope Trust CEO Alex Farrow sits down with Hadley Stewart to discuss what this means for LGBTQ+ people across the world.

Vada Magazine • 28th July 2025

Curator Gemma Rolls-Bentley: “I didn’t really know how to navigate the art world as a northern lesbian.”

As a curator who has been at the forefront of contemporary art for almost two decades, Gemma Rolls-Bentley sits down with Hadley Stewart to reflect on the impact of queer representation in art and her journey from South Yorkshire to the international arts scene.

Vada Magazine • 11th July 2025

Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan are the northern, working class film-makers telling authentic queer stories.

The creators behind feature film Departures tell Hadley Stewart about fighting for a place at the table and the importance of authenticity in queer films.

Vada Magazine • 14th June 2025

Daniel Harding on reconnecting with his younger queer self: “This has been a real journey for me.”

The author and journalist sits down with Hadley Stewart to discuss how his latest book provides a window into the experiences of queer people, and the importance of representation for the LGBTQ+ community.

Vada Magazine • 22nd May 2025

Contact’s Chief Executive Jack Dale-Dowd: “Contact was the first venue in Manchester where I felt that I belonged.”

Having worked with the arts charity and theatre for over a decade, the recently-appointed CEO of Contact sat down with Hadley Stewart to discuss how he is championing the diverse voices of Greater Manchester through the arts.

10th May 2025

Andrew McMillan: Belonging In/Out

Join award-winning poet Andrew McMillan for an intimate reading and conversation with journalist Hadley Stewart, as they explore the complexities of belonging, queerness and community.

Vada Magazine • 22nd April 2025

Roxy Bourdillon on writing about love and loss: “This is a book about being a woman who loves women in all senses of the word.”

The debut author sits down with Hadley Stewart to talk about being a woman who loves women, her relationship with her body, and the hierarchy of grief.

Vada Magazine • 10th April 2025

Hugh Sheehan on the Bolton 7 podcast and his passion for LGBTQ+ storytelling: “It’s so frustrating seeing queer stories being told in a really one-dimensional way.”

The creative behind the BBC Sounds podcast series that recalls one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in recent LGBTQ+ history sits down with Hadley Stewart to share the story behind the podcast and what drives him to tell queer stories.

Vada Magazine • 4th April 2025

DJ Koessler on the power of politics: “It's not some abstract thing. It’s about how you can make people's lives better.”

The Democratic strategist sits down with Hadley Stewart to discuss his work with some of the most recognisable names in modern US politics, his fears under the current Trump administration, and his hopes for more LGBTQ+ presidential candidates.

Vada Magazine • 14th February 2025

Baroness Lynne Featherstone on the fight for marriage equality: "It was a natural thing for me to do."

The former Liberal Democrat equalities minister tells Hadley Stewart about how she became the originator behind one of the biggest landmark moments in LGBTQ+ history.

Vada Magazine • 7th February 2025

Milliner Barnaby Horn on being queer and working class in fashion: “It feels like a big responsibility.”

The multi-award-winning hatmaker from Leeds sits down with Hadley Stewart to reflect on his path from drag to couture.

Vada Magazine • 27th January 2025

Maria Augusta Wozniak: "Fashion is about allowing people to express themselves however they want to."

Having founded her own fashion label Augusta Fashion & Textiles, Maria Augusta Wozniak now champions non-binary clothing and sustainable fashion, whilst staying true to her local Canadian roots.

Vada Magazine • 24th January 2025

Spencer Macnaughton, Founder of Uncloseted Media: reporting on LGBTQ+ rights at a time of Donald Trump

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Uncloseted Media, Spencer Macnaughton sits down with Hadley Stewart to discuss LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.

Vada Magazine • 31st December 2024

Behind the scenes of Vada’s 2024 digital cover shoots

As 2024 comes to a close, our features editor Hadley Stewart takes us behind the scenes of this year’s Vada cover shoots.

Vada Magazine • 3rd December 2024

Dr Rachel Hill-Tout: “Opt-out HIV and hepatitis testing saves lives.”

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement about funding for opt-out blood borne virus testing in emergency departments, the project’s clinical lead sat down with Hadley Stewart to discuss early detection and dispelling stigma.

Vada Magazine • 13th November 2024

Andrew Keates: “I was just poisoning myself every weekend.”

The theatre director and producer sits down with Hadley Stewart to talk about his journey from alcohol and drug addiction, to sobriety and founding his LGBTQ-focused theatre company.

Vada Magazine • 15th October 2024

Mickey Chong: “There’s something about that unfiltered, pure enjoyment of singing.”

The NHS doctor and House Gospel Choir singer talks to Hadley Stewart about pursuing a creative outlet alongside his career in medicine.