| GAY TIMES | |
| Category: | LGBTQ+ |
| Company: | Gay Times Ltd |
| Frequency: | Online[1] |
| Format: | Digital and social |
| Language: | English |
| Based: | London, England |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Issn: | 0950-6101 |
Gay Times (stylized in all caps), also known as GAY TIMES Magazine and as GT, is a UK-based LGBTQ+ media brand established in 1984.[2] Originally a magazine for gay and bisexual men, the company now includes content for the LGBTQ+ community across a number of outlets, including a monthly digital magazine,[3] a website updated daily with news and culture content, and a number of social-media platforms.[4]
Gay Times Magazine is published digitally each month in the United Kingdom and distributed globally,[5] and includes interviews, fashion, news, features, music, film, style and travel. Gay Times also features an online site[6] as well as social promotion channels[7] under the brand name.
The magazine is published by GAY TIMES Ltd. The current CEO of GAY TIMES Ltd. is Tag Warner,[8] who was appointed in January 2019.[9] The magazine ceased print publication in September 2021 and now releases a digital issue each month via the Gay Times app, Apple News+, Readly and other popular digital publication providers.[1] The current editorial director of Gay Times is Megan Wallace, who was appointed in August 2023.[10] Former editorial director, Lewis Corner, was appointed Senior Vice President, Global Content in the same month.[11]
Gay Times Magazine includes features on community and cultural conversations that align with the LGBTQ+ community. It has been in continuous publication for more than 530 issues, having spotlighted stories within the community throughout five decades. Gay Times cover stars across the years include Dusty Springfield, Sir Ian McKellen, Paul O'Grady, Graham Norton, Lizzo, Lady Gaga, Justin Fashanu, Laverne Cox, Elliot Page, Trixie Mattel, Bronski Beat, Billy Porter, Julia Fox, Boy George, Joey Graceffa, Kylie Minogue and more.
Amplify by Gay Times is a monthly digital cover story which focuses on emerging talent and community conversations.[12] It was created in January 2019.
In September 2021, Gay Times became the first LGBTQ+ publication to pass a million followers on Instagram.[13]
ELEVATE by Gay Times and Apple Music is a collaboration between the companies with the aim to support and platform emerging LGBTQ+ music talent.[14] Previous ELEVATE artists include Arlo Parks, Rina Sawayama, Victoria Monét and Hope Tala.
The organisation hosts Gay Times Honours, an annual awards show celebrating figures in and beyond the LGBTQ+ community for their contributions.[15]
Previous winners include the cast of Heartstopper, Bella Ramsey, Jonathan Bailey, Edward Enninful, Sir Ian McKellen, Pabllo Vittar, Honey Dijon, Kylie Minogue, Tom Daley and akt.[16]
Gay Times Honours also features live performances by international stars. Previous performers include RAYE, Tove Lo, Rina Sawayama and Cat Burns. Gay Times Honours first began in 2017.[17]
Amplifund is a philanthropic initiative founded by Gay Times in partnership with GiveOut.[18] It launched in June 2019 and raises money for global LGBTQ+ communities in countries where LGBTQ+ people face daily challenges. It has supported LGBTQ+ people in Jamaica, Iraq, and Armenia, among other territories.
In April 2024, during its 40th anniversary year, GAY TIMES Group expanded into the talent management space, launching the dedicated LGBTQ+ talent agency ‘wax’. wax offers full-service cross-sector commercial talent management to a selection LGBTQ+ of talent and influencers, specialising in talent brand partnerships and broadcast. As well as an international casting division with a large network of talent in the LGBTQ+ sector and beyond.
Gay Times has won numerous awards for its LGBTQ+ content and industry-leading team.
In 2022, Gay Times won 'Brand of the Year (Consumer Media)' at The Drum Online Media Awards 2022.[19] In the same year, Gay Times won 'Brand of the Year (Consumer Media)' and 'Editorial Team of the Year (Consumer Media)' at the British Media Awards 2022.[20] Tag Warner was listed on the Forbes '30 Under 30' list in 2022 in his role as CEO of GAY TIMES.[21]
Gay Times won the coveted 'Cover of the Year' at the PPA Awards 2022 for its cover story featuring Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall.[22]
Lewis Corner was named 'Editor of the Year (Consumer Media)' at the PPA Awards 2023.[23] Gay Times won 'Editorial Team of the Year (Consumer Media)' at The Drum Online Media Awards 2023.[24] Hollie Wong received a PPA Next Gen Award 2023 in their role as Head of Social at Gay Times.[25]