Liverpool's internationally acclaimed Homotopia Festival is a month-long event that celebrates diversity, creativity and the arts.
It's in its 10th year and anyone visiting the array of art shows, debates, theatre productions and comedy nights is in for something extra-special: There's a one-man show from top US actor John Waters, stand-up from Sandi Toksvig, a David Hockney exhibition and comedy from Caz n Britney ... the list goes on.
The quality of performers and contributors for Homotopia 2013 is world-class and a great tribute to this LGBT-focused festival that has put Liverpool firmly on the map internationally not only for its exceptional arts scene but as a city that prides itself on its inclusiveness and tolerance.
One of the highlights of the festival is This Way Out - an art and photography collaboration by Boy George and pop painter TradeMark - which had its world premiere on Wednesday in Liverpool at the Camp and Furnace arts venue.
It is a superb show - totally original, acerbic and clever. Cultural and musical icons such as David Bowie (a huge influence on Boy George) are depicted with a twist on how their sexual identity has impacted society, fame and followers.
Boy George and Wirral-born TradeMark have also included quotes and text around the show, which adds to the whole 'making a statement' element.
Portraits in the show include subcultural gay icons like Divine, Jackie Curtis, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and Leigh Bowery as well as contemporary photographs of some of the original gay punks and Philip Sallon, the first person to wear a bin liner and Steve Strange the seminal New Romantic.
There are also some rather wonderful and cheeky homo-erotic photographs too by Boy George - including some semi-nudes (you may want to steer your granny away from these!). Boy George's humour and the affection he holds for his 'subjects' is clear, particularly the photo portrait of his friend Freya Bitton who is depicted as a smiling geisha... wearing dental braces. See a slide show gallery - click here.
The show runs until 25 November - admission is free.
Also check out Boy George and TradeMark in Conversation with Janice Long at St George's Hall 14 November.
Check out the full Homotopia programme, ticket and further info here - http://www.homotopia.net/2013-festival
Other hightlights:
Young Man! by the DeNada Dance Theatre is a brilliantly choreographied performance by the hugely talented Carlos Pons Guerra - a "kitschy duel of seduction" that promises to subvert perceptions.
It is part of a Dance Triple Bill and well worth the ticket price - 9 November. See a taster here:
John Waters 'This Filthy World' - Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (8 November)
Caz n Britney Present 'Mis Les' - Unity Theatre (13 - 16 November)
Sandi Toksvig: My Valentine - Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (Tue 5 Nov)
David Hockney - Early Reflections - Walker Gallery (Oct '13 - Mar '14)
April Ashley: Portrait of a lady - Museum of Liverpool (27 Sept '13 - 21 Sept '14)
Triple Dance Bill - Unity Theatre - (9 November)
Credit and thanks to the team at Homotopia - especially PR/Media dynamo Lou Muddle
Picture/image/video credits: Anna Phylactic, Homotopia, Boy George and TradeMark and DeNada Dance Theatre