Pegging, Glasgow and what gives my life meaning: ask me anything

As promised, in celebration for netting over 100 paying subscribers, here is a bonus AMA edition, with my answers. If you’d like to join the paid-up crew, it’s only £3.50 a month for two extra editions, which is barely the price of a coffee but makes a massive difference to giving me some breathing room to pursue some other projects which I promise you’ll hear about soon.

Also, while we’re here, I wanted to shout out Thea Everett’s wonderful newsletter, What’s That You’re Cooking Thea? which is the only recipe Substack I’d ever subscribe to and actually makes a chiffon cake seem possible. Thea has just celebrated three years of publishing — you can get on board here.

I want to eat it all!

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Ask me anything

Advice on becoming a gym girlie? Solo? Classes? Best women's only groups? Queer groups?

I am afraid I am but one person and not Women’s Health, which means I can’t answer more than one-fifth of this question. We’re born alone, die alone and in the spirit of that, I go to the gym alone. Classes don’t work for my schedule or temperament.

I would decide what type of exercise you enjoy first (group/solo?) and go from there. I have used an app-based training programme for the last five years now; it helps block out all the noise and recommendations online. You might want an actual human trainer to help you with an initial plan — there’s lots of excellent ones out there, specialising in everything from strength conditioning to just getting you moving your body. The main way to become a gym girlie, though, is to start going. Don’t overthink it.

Your style is [flame emoji]. Where do you get your fits /accessories from?

This is so kind. I’ve always aspired to be [flame emoji]. And no specific place! I buy a lot from Vinted. I’m more consistent with colours and shapes than brand loyalty. I don’t care about designer labels at all, which is probably why I don’t consider myself into ‘fashion’, even though I love dressing up. I’ll screenshot outfits I see online and often use those for inspo, especially from people with similar body shapes. I get most of my rings from various stalls in Spitafields Market/Brick Lane though; that’s a pilgrimage I make when I’ve achieved something big and want to treat myself.

What event or cultural/political moment of the 2020s has surprised you most so far?

Wow, the potential to be surprised. I miss her. Doja Cat and Joseph Quinn because he’s just a South London small earring guy and she’s Doja Cat and it absolutely freaks my nut out that those two worlds have collided. He knows what Mondo Sandos are! Comme de fuck on.

Do you regret moving to Glasgow?