A Japanese musical of Casino Royale! - A conversation with @inspiredbybond Licence To Queer 2023-04-17 | Recorded live in the reception area of my hotel in Osaka, Japan this is a conversation with Eisuke Ochiai (@inspiredbybond on Instagram). We talk about Bond's place in Japanese culture before launching into our experiences with 'Casino Royale - My Name is Bond', a unique theatrical experience: not only is it the first stage musical of a James Bond story but it is performed by an all female cast, Takarazuka Revue, entirely in Japanese. How well did I (not a Japanese speaker) understand the story? What were our favourite elements? What were the completely bizarre parts which we never saw coming?! Listen on to find out!
Uncovering the Bond art of Michael Gillette Licence To Queer 2024-10-10 | Michael Gillette’s art is nothing short of beloved by Bond fans. In 2008, he created a set of 15 instantly iconic covers for the Fleming centenary editions of the novels. Since then, he has also produced covers for continuation books. In October 2024, he releases his highly conceptual and utterly gorgeous covers for the new hardback editions of the Fleming originals. The project has been gestating for six years! Michael tells the full story here for the first time.Michael also shares how it feels to be such an integral part of what he calls 'the Bondiverse', relates his own Bond beginnings (including his experiences of reading Fleming for the first time) and how his work has been influenced by the places he’s lived, the music he loves and the Bond cover artists who came before him.
On Our Minds Only? Episode 008 WHAT’S KEEPING YOU AWAKE? with Alex Lamas @yestoadventure007 Licence To Queer 2024-09-25 | The episode’s title is a quote from Quantum of Solace, specifically the scene where Mathis attempts to get to the bottom of Bond’s sleep problems.In the Bond films we don’t see our hero getting healthy, natural sleep all that often. Perhaps because, as Hitchcock famously asserted, ‘drama is life with the dull bits cut out’, we’re supposed to assume Bond sleeps like a normal human being when we’re not looking. On the occasions where we do see Bond waking up, it’s usually because he’s been drugged or knocked unconscious.But this is a different story in the books. David has gone back through Fleming’s 14 Bond books and found there are more than 400 direct references to sleep - that’s more than 30 per book! Might this suggest that Fleming himself had an interesting relationship with sleep that he transposed into his character? There are definite patterns across the books, which David guides us through here, highlighting particularly intriguing examples from Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, From Russia, With Love and Thunderball.Is there anything from the Bond films and the Fleming books we can use to help us address our own sleep problems?Both Alex and David have wrestled with sleep issues their entire lives, including experiencing prolonged periods of insomnia. But there are differences… Alex is a night owl, an evening person, someone who has no issue being wide awake really late at night. David is the opposite, a lark, who is mentally and physically most alert early in the morning.Although neither Alex nor David are sleep scientists (and sleep science as an academic discipline is still very new!), both have put in a lot of effort to resolving their sleep issues, including reading some of the same books - sometimes with different results! Here, both talk through the approaches they’ve tried and tested over the years and reveal how they have reframed their relationships with sleep.Sleep hygiene is key for both of them. How does alcohol, caffeine and what we do in the hour before bed make a difference? Alex and David also tackle:Why is it important to know your chronotype (night owl/morning lark, etc)?How does insomnia relate to anxiety?What happens if we never sleep? (Like Gustav Graves in Die Another Day)Should we be concerned if we don’t dream? If we experience night terrors (like Bond does in the books) how can we deal with these?What are the ups and downs of sleeping pills? (There are a lot of them in Fleming!)How do sleep rhythms differ internationally?Why is jet lag so evil?What’s the sun got to do with sleep?Why is it sometimes more difficult to sleep in hotels than home?How does Fleming’s Bond always wake up on time without an alarm clock? And what is his standard wake up time? What chronotype does that make him?
On Our Minds Only? Episode 007 AGENTS OF OUR OWN LIVES with John Able @writerjohnable Licence To Queer 2024-08-29 | “When you focus your time and energy into the things you can change and influence, opportunities come to you and doors open that wouldn’t have been there before.” - John AbleJohn is a father and a writer of stories aimed at bringing children and their caregivers closer together. Earlier this year, he wrote an article about martial arts in Fleming which set off a chain of events leading to him becoming far more involved in the Bond community.John also has a rare life-threatening heart condition. Here, he speaks openly about the feelings of grief he had after being diagnosed with the condition and how he approached making what changes he could to how he lived his life.A lot of mental health difficulties stem from a feeling of being out of control, so we should try to focus on the things we can control. John uses two Bond films as a metaphor for how to approach the things life throws at us: we can be like Bond in Goldfinger and be the passive recipient of things happening to us or we can be like Bond in Quantum of Solace and continually adapt, creating new opportunities.Although John speaks very candidly about his specific circumstances, he urges us to focus on the things all of us can control in all aspects of our lives.While talking with John, David retrospectively realises he took this approach during the worst phase of his life - where negative thought patterns threatened to takeover - and it ultimately made him a much happier person.John goes on to explain how he learned to defuse negative thoughts. It takes effort, but it’s worth it!Finally, David and John discuss the extent to which Bond provides us with a fantasy of control.Find John on Instagram: @writerjohnable
On Our Minds Only? Episode 006: POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE with Vinnie Harris @Harris94Vinnie Licence To Queer 2024-07-24 | Positive mental attitude“Just because someone seems happy, doesn’t mean it’s the reality of the situation. It’s good to check in and see how people are doing.” - Vinnie HarrisVinnie Harris is an unfalteringly positive voice in the Bond community - his voice is also very deep and many of you will recognise it from his appearances on various podcasts!As Anya Amasova tells Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me, “it’s very important to have a positive mental attitude.” This can be easier said than done however! So positive is Vinnie online that you might be surprised to learn about the challenges he has overcome and continues to battle in his everyday life. This is the first time Vinnie has opened up publicly about these and how he is learning to cope with them. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD early in life, Vinnie talks candidly about how, like Bond, he felt like he didn’t fit in. Two decades down the line, he shares his thoughts about combatting negative self-talk, taking advice from family and friends, how it’s important to live life at your own pace and learning to own your uniqueness.You can follow Vinnie on X @Harris94Vinnie and Instagram @mrharris00794
On Our Minds Only? Episode 005: ARM OURSELVES BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE HERE WILL SAVE US? Licence To Queer 2024-07-14 | “It shook my foundations. I flipped from being someone that was 'Just get on with it' to a person who felt far more empathy, understanding not everyone has the tools to be able to 'Just get on with it'.” - Natasha StoneArm yourself because no one else here will save you? It’s a brilliant song lyric, but how far does being self-reliant really help us? When is the time to call for reinforcements? And how do we find the words when social norms tell us to keep things inside, especially if we’re men? All of these questions and more get answers in this chat, which has its origins off the back of a heated Bond Book club debate. When they got together, now over a year ago, to discuss Natasha’s first reading of Fleming’s Casino Royale, David and Natasha had wildly diverging views of the character of Bond: Natasha felt Bond was too needy and ‘unmasculine’ whereas David found his vulnerability role model-worthy. With unflinching honesty, Natasha traces her ideas about masculinity back to early childhood, when she formed a fantasy of the ideal man being of the ‘Alpha’ variety. A defining moment of Natasha’s childhood was her mother - an incredibly strong woman - having a nervous breakdown. This formed her earliest ideas about mental health. Her self-created ‘inner steel’ helped steer her through very difficult times, including finding herself unexpectedly pregnant while at university. And then, two decades later, a shocking tragedy completely shook Natasha’s foundations and upended her perspective on masculinity and mental health.“Boys will smile, even when they’re in complete turmoil.” - Natasha StoneA mother of four boys and one girl, Natasha shares her insights into the importance of communication for ensuring mental wellbeing, particularly for young men. David opens up about the ways we can make a difference, using examples from his professional life as an educator. Ultimately, they agree that the key is finding a middle ground between being self-reliant and knowing when to call for support.They link everything back to Bond books and films, and specifically the song ‘You Know My Name’. Finally, they share some pearls of wisdom from Bond Girl/force of nature Martine Beswicke.Natasha mentions fundraising for mental health charity CALM, which you can find out more about here:thecalmzone.net
On Our Minds Only? Episode 004: HELPING PEOPLE WITH PROBLEMS with John Kell @Really007l Licence To Queer 2024-07-04 | John is one of the fantastic lads who make up the Really, 007! podcast. While David has been honoured to be their guest multiple times and they've got to know each other well in real life, this is the first time John and David have publicly talked just the two of them.Both men help people with problems as part of their professional lives having been motivated to do so by some of their own adverse experiences. Rarely are real life problems as easy to ‘eliminate’ as they are in the world of Bond. But that shouldn’t prevent us from trying.John was eager to come onto On Our Minds Only? and we’re so glad he did. The story of John’s mental heath journey is a gripping one - and it has the power to change lives.Both had no idea how this conversation would unfold. They start by introducing the topics of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)… and then (a bit like episodes of ‘Really, 007!’) things take off in unexpected directions…We won’t spoil it here, but instead urge you to hit PLAY and let John’s story unfold in its entirety. A sneak preview: It begins with an eleven year old John having his world view turned upside down by a viewing of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. We move on to nineteen year old John experiencing a significantly traumatic incident which was to reverberate through his whole life ever afterwards…With great vulnerability, John doesn’t hold back from sharing what happened when he hit rock bottom. But this is ultimately an incredibly hopeful story. John made a life-changing decision to devote a lot of his time to helping others, using what he’d learned about himself.Along the way, John and David relate everything back to Bond. This includes their own deeply personal takes on Licence to Kill and Skyfall.Although this episode is longer than the others in this series, you will definitely want to watch the whole thing. Let us know what you think.
A gay teen love letter to James Bond movies: Lee Winds A Different Kind of Brave Licence To Queer 2024-06-25 | The author of A Different Kind of Brave describes his novel as a “gay teen love letter to James Bond movies”, which is a pretty accurate description!Lee Wind’s book is a ludicrously exciting and romantic action adventure story with all of the Bond ingredients - but with two gay protagonists, one of who filters his whole life through his beloved Bond movies, which is definitely something many of us can relate to.For many readers - young adult or older - reading this novel will be an intensely validating experience. I devoured it in one sitting, propelled by the narrative and characters. What I did not expect to happen was to find myself at the end sobbing tears of queer joy.The day after reading A Different Kind of Brave, I chatted with Lee about his own history with Bond (the book is crammed with 007 detail!) and what motivates him to write books which have the potential to change lives.One of my own motivations for chatting with Lee was to find out how we could get as many people as possible to get hold of a copy of A Different Kind of Brave.You can pickup the paperback from all online retailers. But Lee has also created a really Kickstarter for the hardback. For everyone who pledges for a gorgeous hardback edition of the book the publisher will give a paperback copy to queer youth!You can find out more here:kickstarter.com/projects/leewind/exclusive-collectors-hardcover-of-a-different-kind-of-brave
Never say no to illustrating Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! A chat with Thomas Gilbert Licence To Queer 2024-06-10 | David chats with the illustrator of the new edition of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, released to celebrate the book's 60th anniversary. Although this is the first book Thomas has illustrated, you will likely be familiar with his work in other fields. He is not only a highly accomplished artist who started making stunning Bond posters at the start of the Covid lockdowns (Instagram @gilbert_posters) but he also designs cars for a living!Fleming originally commissioned his automotive engineer friend Amherst Villiers (namechecked in the early Bond books) to draw Chitty, but his rendering was never used. So this edition marks the first time an actual car designer has illustrated the book! Thomas's dynamic artwork perfectly complements Fleming's vivacious prose and brings us a Chitty quite unlike anything we've had before. Here, he takes us behind the scenes, explaining his process from start to finish, showing us how he decided what to illustrate and how he did it. We get to see the early work Thomas did for the book, months before it became the finished article. Along the way, Thomas and David discuss the various influences on the book's art, which include film noir, a classic 80s movie and a Fleming Bond novel - Thomas's favourite Bond novel in fact.Thomas and David also talk about where their creative sparks come from and why it's a good idea to say 'yes!' to adventures which take you out of your comfort zone!Following Thomas on Instagram here:instagram.com/gilbert_posters
On Our Minds Only? Episode 003: RELEVANCY with David Zaritsky @TheBondExperience Licence To Queer 2024-06-07 | “At the core of a lot of depression is feeling like you don't have any meaning.” - David ZaritskyDavid Zaritsky and David Lowbridge-Ellis candidly explore the dark side and light side of relevancy within the Bond community. (Yes, there are also Star Wars references.)When we feel relevant, we get a natural hit of dopamine. But this can become dangerously addictive; creating content with the sole goal of gaining followers and likes can wreak havoc on our mental health.David Z gets personal about how he has lost friends because they could not stop comparing their own relevance with other people’s. David L-E reveals how he strives to find meaning in himself, rather than by seeking affirmation from others.This is a very personal conversation in which both Davids discuss how to navigate this tricky territory. The hope is that by sharing it publicly they will help others.As David Z says here, when it comes to mental health, “There’s a real need to understand the why of what is happening.”It’s tribal. Although some talk about the Bond Community as if it’s a place where everyone agrees with each other, in reality it consists of many subgroups. And while most Bond fans are positive voices, bringing diverse points of view and supporting others with positive affirmation, a few sadly pursue relevancy by propagating negativity, attempting to tear down those who they are jealous of.The Davids hone in on their shared why: if it’s not followers and likes, what does motivate them to continue doing what they do?Finally, David Z has some very practical advice for people who might be struggling with the issues raised in this video.About the ‘On Our Minds Only?’ series:Mental health is not discussed enough, despite it being an important element of the 007 stories. In this series, David talks very openly about mental health with members of the Bond community. He has a theory: these are the sorts of things on many of our minds but we often struggle to put them into words. Maybe we can change that?
On Our Minds Only? Episode 002: COMBATTING ANXIETY with Alex Lamas @yestoadventure007 Licence To Queer 2024-05-27 | Anyone who has seen Alex’s amazing YouTube knows that he always says yes to adventures! If something scares him, he follows Bond’s example and overcomes his fear by going and doing it. But as a child, he was not so confident. Alex has battled anxiety his whole life. He recognises that this is, in part, rooted in something James Bond is certainly no stranger to: childhood trauma.Between the ages of nine to twelve, Alex experienced a lot of violence. He was also extensively bullied at school and humiliated by teachers. Nevertheless, he refused to give in to the abuse and fought his way out - quite literally to begin with!Alex speaks very openly about his specific circumstances before sharing the coping strategies he has developed over the years. As Alex says, “Learning to cope takes time, practice and vigilance.” Alex shares what he has learned on his mental health journey so far.Both Alex and David are teachers, so expect this to be educational as well as entertaining. Alex unpicks the misconception of martial arts being as violent and gives David a live lesson in meditation.This conversation covers a lot of ground, including suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. They also touch on other aspects of mental health, including insomnia. Let us know if you would like more about this topic in a future episode with Alex and David!Follow Alex on Instagram @sifu_lamasWatch Alex’s adventures at:youtube.com/@yestoadventure007About the ‘On Our Minds Only?’ series:Mental health is not discussed enough, despite it being an important element of the 007 stories. In this series, David talks very openly about mental health with members of the Bond community. He has a theory: these are the sorts of things on many of our minds but we often struggle to put them into words. Maybe we can change that?
On Our Minds Only? Episode 001: HYPERVIGILANCE with Blake Powers @BondLifeChicago Licence To Queer 2024-05-24 | Mental health is not discussed enough, despite it being an important element of the 007 stories. In this series, David talks very openly about mental health with members of the Bond community. He has a theory: these are the sorts of things on many of our minds but we often struggle to put them into words. Maybe we can change that?Here, David talks with Blake Powers (@BondLifeChicago) about hypervigilance. As a first responder in the Police, Blake is the ideal person to guide us through what it's like to be in an elevated state of constantly assessing potential threats. Blake can certainly relate to Bond in this regard and has written a brilliant article about this in which he insightfully makes many links with Bond's behaviour in the books and films. David and Blake focus in particular on the film of Quantum of Solace and Fleming's Thunderball. Together they explore:What impact does hypervigilance have on the brain and body? What should you do when you go 'off duty' and find yourself slipping into a depression-like state?How do we avoid using coping strategies which are bad for us?How much should we follow the example set by Bond?Read Blake's article here:spygestmag.com/posts/the-melancholy-spyIf you are interested in appearing on a future episode of 'On Our Minds Only?' then please get in touch.This video is also available as a podcast, wherever you get podcasts.
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0021: Writing book three Licence To Queer 2024-05-05 | A bonus clip we held back from the initial run of Classified Chats!Kim reveals to David how the writing of book three differed to the writing of the first two books in the Double O trilogy. Kim finished the first draft in April 2024 and the book will be released in Spring 2025.In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it). There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0020: Tell us about Easter Eggs! Licence To Queer 2024-04-26 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0020: Tell us about Easter Eggs!In the final of our Classified Chats (for now) David asks Kim about Bond Easter Eggs hidden within the plot of A Spy Like Me.In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it). There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0019: Were you tempted to include Jim Fanning at Sothebys? Licence To Queer 2024-04-26 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0019: Were you tempted to include Jim Fanning at Sotheby's?David has to ask @KimTSherwood how tempted she was to include a certain Licence to Queer fan favourite character in the Sotheby’s section of the novel!In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it). There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0018: How did you make this book so tense? Licence To Queer 2024-04-26 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0018: How did you make this book so tense? David chats with Kim about how the constantly ticking clock of the Double Os’ mission equals a thrilling read. In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it). There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0017: Can we talk about 004 and the pool boy? Licence To Queer 2024-04-25 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0017: Can we talk about 004 and the pool boy?David can’t resist chatting to @KimTSherwood about Joseph Dryden (004) and the pool boy!In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0016: More main characters = more suspense? Licence To Queer 2024-04-25 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0016: More main characters = more suspense?David and @KimTSherwood chat about the exciting benefits of telling a story with a bunch of 00 agents (both old and new).In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0015: How Kim lost the plot! Licence To Queer 2024-04-24 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0015: How Kim lost the plot!Kim confesses that she lost the plot at one point (and then she tells David how she found it again!)In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0014: Did the opening of the book change at all? Licence To Queer 2024-04-24 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0014: Did the opening of the book change at all?Books go through many redrafts and in this episode, Kim explains how the beginning of the book got pushed back a bit.In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0013: How important is the first sentence? Licence To Queer 2024-04-24 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0013: How important is the first sentence?Just as it was for Fleming, himself, Kim explains why it’s part of her process to sweat over the first line in a book.In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0012: Like a Bond watch? You’ll love this! Licence To Queer 2024-04-23 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0012: Like a Bond watch? You’ll love this!00 agents and double watches? Kim and David explain more.In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0011: Time on our mind? Licence To Queer 2024-04-23 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0011: Time on our mind?Time is always a big Bond theme and David chats to Kim about how its front and centre in this book.In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0010: A darker and deeper story than Double or Nothing? Licence To Queer 2024-04-22 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 0010: A darker and deeper story than Double or Nothing?Kim dives deeper into why the story may get darker this time around.In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 009: Uncovering the villain’s plot… Licence To Queer 2024-04-22 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 009: Uncovering the villain’s plot…A good 00 agent needs a good villain and in this episode Kim shares more on this book’s big bad.In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 008: What kind of swimwear would 004 wear? Licence To Queer 2024-04-21 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 008: What kind of swimwear would 004 wear?David and Kim have fun imagining 004 in designer swimwear!In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 007: James Bond is missing… or is he? Licence To Queer 2024-04-21 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 007: James Bond is missing… or is he?Bond is still missing in A Spy Like Me. Do we get any closer to finding him?In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 006: “I’m very happy to be people’s gateway drug into Bond. Licence To Queer 2024-04-21 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 006: “I’m very happy to be people’s gateway drug into Bond."Like #DoubleOrNothing before it, David feels it works for those who love Bond, or those who are new to it.In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 005: An opportunity and a responsibility... Licence To Queer 2024-04-20 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 005: "An opportunity and a responsibility: diversifying the world of James Bond is not tokenistic, it’s reality."The #DoubleO trilogy diversifies the heroes of the Bond world. Kim and David chat about why it's essential to reflect the world as it really is.In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 004: How did the title of A Spy Like Me come about? Licence To Queer 2024-04-20 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 004: How did the title of A Spy Like Me come about?Where did Kim come up with the second #DoubleO novel’s interesting title? She explains more.In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Episode 003: How did being part of the Bond Community influence the writing of book 2? Licence To Queer 2024-04-19 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 003: How did being part of the Bond Community influence the writing of A Spy Like Me?With it being public knowledge that she was writing the second #DoubleO book, Kim shares more about how reaching out to the community aided her writing.In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 002: Tell us about the plot of A Spy Like Me? Licence To Queer 2024-04-19 | In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. In a spoiler-free chat, Kim shares an overview of what her second Double O book is all about.Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
#ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats- Episode 001: Is this The Empire Strikes Back of the Double O trilogy? Licence To Queer 2024-04-19 | #ASpyLikeMe: Classified Chats - Episode 001: Is this The Empire Strikes Back of the Double O trilogy?Kim explains more to David about writing the middle part of a trilogy.In conversation with David Lowbridge-Ellis, Kim Sherwood uncovers everything you need to know about the writing of the addictively enjoyable Bond thriller, A Spy Like Me. Taking us behind the scenes, nothing is off limits as Kim shares her story inspirations, her writing process, how interactions with the Bond Community influenced the book, how she feels about people saying diversifying the Double Os is an exercise in box ticking - and a lot more. David and Kim even take time to pore over 004’s choice of swimwear (it’s a tough job and David and Kim are the ones to do it).There is extensive coverage of A Spy Like Me and the previous instalment in the Double O series, Double or Nothing, over at www.licencetoqueer.com
Baker, Bond, Benson, Bray: a film by Kim Sherwood and David Lowbridge-Ellis Licence To Queer 2024-03-30 | In this unique film, award-winning Bond author Kim Sherwood and Licence to Queer's David Lowbridge-Ellis sit down to watch together the Bond film appearances of Kim's grandfather, George Baker.More than a decade after his passing, George remains a household name in the UK, immediately familiar to generations of film and TV viewers - especially Bond fans. Although his screen time in the Bond series is relatively svelte, he leaves a lasting impression in two very different roles: the no-nonsense Captain Benson in The Spy Who Loved Me and the comically fusty brass-rubbing genealogist Sir Hilary Bray in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Which of these roles was closest to the real George? Kim shares her unique insights. In On Her Majesty's Secret Service, George Baker also revoiced George Lazenby for around a third of the film. Baker himself said he found dubbing Lazenby "extraordinary", not least of all because he would have played James Bond himself if Ian Fleming had got his own way.Kim and David explore in detail how George almost became Bond and also the lesser known parts of his legacy: how he was not just an actor but a poet and award-winning playwright; how he was a British icon who was actually born in Bulgaria (and he could still speak the language until his final days); how he might have been a spy using his acting roles as cover!; how he earned a reputation as a ladies' man while being someone who was very vocal towards any institution which discriminated against women (this film contains some strong language!). And of course, Kim shares how much of an influence George had - and continues to have - on her own life and work.As usual with Kim and David, the chat ranges far and wide.Expect discussion of:- The merits of DVD menus- The complexities of keeping the British end up- Tweed (See: #SirHilaryBrayDay) licencetoqueer.com/blog/sir-hilary-bray-day - Accents! Accents! Accents! (And more accents!)And: an accidental recreation of Lethal Weapon.
Talking Tweed with Rosie Sherwood Licence To Queer 2024-02-18 | Is this the most niche Bond podcast of all time? We hope so! And we guarantee you'll find it interesting!Artist Rosie Sherwood and me tackle the topic of tweed in Bond and find there's much more to it than just snazzy looking garments.Rosie is the grandaughter of Bond actor George Baker and costume designer Julia Squire, who worked with John Huston, Alfred Hitchcock, David Lean and many others. And if the name Sherwood sounds familiar, that's because Rosie is the sister of Bond author Kim Sherwood.Rosie shares some lovely family stories before we embark on our exploration of tweed in Bond, in the books and the films (there's more tweed in Bond than you may realise!). We also talk about the fabric's comparable role in other British cultural exports such as Downton Abbey and Peaky Blinders.We recorded this podcast ahead of Sir Hilary Bray Day: on 1st April: join us in celebrating the tweed-wearing heraldry expert played by Rosie's grandfather in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (and impersonated by George Lazenby for the middle chunk of the film). All you need to do is wear some tweed - we're pretty sure you'll own some already and, if not, we have tips on where to get hold of some.Articles we found of particular use in our research:Bond Suits (Matt Spaiser)bondsuits.com/how-to-look-modern-in-tweed-007-examples-of-bonds-tweeds Gentleman's Gazettegentlemansgazette.com/tweed-guide-harris-history-styles-patterns
Where to begin with the Bond continuation books Licence To Queer 2024-02-11 | With a drought on the Bond film front, why is everyone not quenching their thirst with the Bond books? Perhaps it's because, with more than 50 continuation stories published in the sixty years since Fleming's death, it can be hard knowing where to start. Setting each other the mission of proving the case that there's a Bond book for every mood and every taste, Licence to Queer's David Lowbridge-Ellis and Mark Edlitz, author of James Bond After Fleming, have each curated a list of seven 007 continuation novels. Here they share their picks and why they selected them.David and Mark each choose...The one to read in one sittingThe one to read when you're in the mood to squirm in your seatThe one to read when you want something fantasticalThe one to read on the beachThe one to read when you want something psychologicalThe one to read when you want to see Bond from a different angleThe one to read when you want something fresh and original*There are slight spoilers for the opening chapters of some of the books but nothing significant about the plots.*
Christmas comes again! (And again!): The various versions of The World Is Not Enough Licence To Queer 2023-12-17 | In the latest instalment of their popular series uncovering how Bond films developed through the scripting process, Tom Mason and David Lowbridge-Ellis set their gunbarrel sights on The World Is Not Enough. Early versions of the script reveal significantly different locations, different action sequences, different characters and different versions of the infamous gag which brings the film to its memorable climax!Previous episodes (available on YouTube and wherever you find podcasts) have tackled early drafts of Diamonds Are Forever and The Spy Who Loved Me.Which film do you think Tom and David should do next?
Sharing passions with Raymond Benson Licence To Queer 2023-09-05 | Benson’s Bond books updated 007's world for their period and were even ahead of their time in key ways. On the eve of the re-release of Zero Minus Ten, Raymond and I chat in detail about not just Bond but also other mutual passions, including Hitchcock, Hong Kong cinema and listening to The Beatles without earmuffs.As well as being a novelist, Raymond has been a theatre director, music composer, computer game creator and film historian. Although he’s now written over 40 books, 1997’s Zero Minus Ten was his first novel to be published.Zero Minus Ten is being re-released on 5th October 2023.Although we discuss Benson’s Bond books in some detail, none of the twists and turns in the stories are given away.Here’s an overview of our chat:00:00 Bond and Bergman 04:50 Hitchcock and Kubrick 07:00 Acting, directing and many other careers09:25 Zero Minus Ten - his first novel (if you don’t count the one starring his nephew)12:50 A Hitchcockian approach to plotting20:25 Hong Kong history - a succinct summary of British Colonial History29:40 Hong Kong cinema and the ‘casting’ of Zero Minus Ten32:50 Modernising Bond’s world34:00 Sex scenes: a focus on female pleasure. 39:40 Getting inside Bond’s head43:20 “You asked, why do I love Bond…”46:50 Early Bond obsession: awkward admissions from childhood!48:20 The peaks and troughs of Bond’s popularity49:30 Bond films: a history of pop culture50:00 Nerdy questions about Raymond’s Bond books57:20 The novelisations01:02:00 Looking back on seven years of writing Bond novels01:04:00 Looking ahead: reprints and a rendezvous at PinewoodDue to a little internet lag, the video is occasionally out of sync and we inadvertently talk over each other here and there early on, but not enough to hamper your enjoyment.
Keeping the camp end up! A chat with Paul Baker Licence To Queer 2023-08-23 | Paul Baker is the author of the bestselling 'CAMP! The Story of the Attitude that Conquered the World'. Not only is the book fabulously funny but it also successfully captures what camp is all about (not a mean feat!) using a plethora of brilliant examples. There's only one problem: there's no way Paul could include everyone's favourite examples and only bits of one of the most camp things of all time - James Bond - made it into the book. David and Paul meet to put Bond in the camp spotlight.Find out more about Paul's book here: simonandschuster.com/books/Camp!/Paul-Baker/9781804440322Read David's article '007 Notes on Camp' here: licencetoqueer.com/blog/007-notes-on-camp
Somewhat fishy: the deeply strange origins of The Spy Who Loved Me Licence To Queer 2023-08-05 | The Spy Who Loved Me is one of the most balanced Bond films, with a finely calibrated blend of all we love about Bond. But the film we ended up with went through dozens of iterations, many containing thoroughly unhinged ideas. Tom Mason and David Lowbridge-Ellis have read every screen treatment and script they can get their hands on - two years' worth! - and are now ready to share what they've found. Batten down the hatches for seal sex, crash zooms, a villain called Kronk, Anya's brother-lover, testicular torture and a very temperamental Lotus Esprit...Contains some strong language (direct quotes from the screenplays).
Travelling with James Bond Licence To Queer 2023-07-23 | Kim Sherwood and David Lowbridge-Ellis talk with a live audience about all things travel and 007. How much is travel is responsible for the success of the books and films? Why do we have the urge to make pilgrimages to Bond locations? What can we learn from Bond about how to travel (and how not to)? This is a recording of an event held on Zoom on 22nd July 2023.
A Wild & True Conversation Licence To Queer 2023-06-11 | Kim Sherwood's 'A Wild & True Relation' is an amazingly queer book. For Pride Month 2023, David Lowbridge-Ellis gets truthful with the Bond author about her 18th Century-set swashbuckler, examining how and why she created such a moving and rollicking tale of self-determination, freedom of sexual orientation, chosen family and defied gender expectations.
On His Majesty’s Secret Service: Declassified Licence To Queer 2023-05-29 | In this spoiler-filled chat, David Lowbridge-Ellis delves deeply into all aspects of On His Majesty’s Secret Service with its author, Charlie Higson. No topic is off limits. David and Charlie get stuck into the core of the thrilling story, exploring the real life inspirations for the villain and his dastardly plot. They also tackle the really important questions, such as: should we trust someone if they have a six pack which is “ridged like a Toblerone”? What was the inspiration for giving Bond a ‘friend with benefits’? What kind of underpants does 007 wear? And, perhaps most pressingly of all, why does eating fermented foods make one ‘woke’?
Happy Birthday James! - Kim Sherwood and David Lowbridge-Ellis celebrate 70 Years of 007 Licence To Queer 2023-05-20 | Kim Sherwood and David Lowbridge-Ellis celebrate 70 Years of Bond by getting together with an audience to talk all things Fleming. They start off by sharing their funny first encounters with the Bond books (both involved naked men as it happens!) before discussing the best order in which to read them. Kim and David get stuck into the subtle - and less subtle! - differences between the films and books, including the parts which readers unfamiliar with Fleming find surprising. David and Kim also read aloud some short excerpts from the novels, including their favourite character introductions (both choose their favourite ally and villain) and some of Fleming's fantastic descriptions. Kim and David invite audience contributions throughout - there were some fantastic questions posed!This is a recording of a live event on the evening of 18th May 2023. Participants had the option of having their cameras on and you will see some of these guests in the second half of the video. Thank you to everyone who came along.Save the date for the next live event with David and Kim on 22nd July 2023.Kim Sherwood is the author of the Double-O series, the first book of which is Double or Nothing and was published in 2022. The second in the trilogy will be released in 2024. She is also the author of the multi-award-winning Testament (2018) and the swashbuckling A Wild & True Relation (2023). You can subscribe to Kim's Substack, The Girl With The Golden Pen, here: kimsherwood.substack.com All paid subscribers get FREE access to these live events.David Lowbridge-Ellis is the creator and editor of Licence to Queer, a multi-platform mission to bring together LGBTQ+ fans of James Bond so we can all appreciate 007 from different angles. In 2023, he was awarded #BondCommunity Writer of the Year. Licence to Queer is based at www.licencetoqueer.com and can be found @LicenceToQueer on twitter and Instagram. David is also the Editor-in-Chief of the British James Bond Fan Club, 007GB.Check out David's coverage of Double or Nothing here.The non-spoiler review: licencetoqueer.com/blog/book-review-double-or-nothingInterview with Kim Sherwood (recorded July 2023, released September): licencetoqueer.com/blog/conversation-with-kim-sherwoodAn appreciation of the book's gay representation, in the personage of 004 Joseph Dryden: licencetoqueer.com/blog/004-reasons-why-joseph-dryden-is-the-gay-hero-weve-been-waiting-for
Tying Kim Sherwoods bow tie on #JimFanningFriday Licence To Queer 2023-02-25 | Author of the Double-0 series, Kim Sherwood, suggested we meet up for Martinis and a tutorial on bow tying.
Rough Diamonds: the early drafts of Diamonds Are Forever Licence To Queer 2023-01-10 | Diamonds Are Forever may be one of the more bizarre Bond films but the early drafts by Richard Maibaum make the finished film look quite sane by comparison! Granted access to the Eon archives, film scholar Tom Mason shared with me what he had uncovered: possible versions of Diamonds Are Forever which are, by turns, ahead of their time AND positively deranged. You're not going to believe what Diamonds might have been!
No Time To Dirk: Bond and Bogarde Licence To Queer 2022-11-27 | 60 years ago, when the movie Bond began, England’s most popular actor was Dirk Bogarde, a closeted gay man. Dirk was even approached to play Bond. But big Bogarde fan Callum McKelvie is glad the matinee idol never donned 007’s tux (although he would have looked great in it).Check out Callum's article at www.licencetoqueer.com
Highly camp and horrifying: The Licence to Queer Halloween special Licence To Queer 2022-10-19 | Callum McKelvie joins me for a special Spectre-al episode taking a light-hearted look at the horror elements in the Bond films and novels. We uncover the spookiest skeletons in Bond's closet and get very personal when exploring why queers like us are drawn to the macabre.You can read Callum's original article about horror in Bond here:licencetoqueer.com/blog/spectre-al-visions-queers-horror-and-bond
Bringing Bond home - a conversation with Corinne Turner and Simon Ward Licence To Queer 2022-10-13 | I am joined by Ian Fleming Publications' Managing Director Corinne Turner and Publishing Manager Simon Ward, following their announcement that they will be bringing the publication of all Ian Fleming titles 'in house' for the 70th anniversary of Bond. We discuss what this means for existing fans, their plans for attracting new audiences, the diversity of Fleming aficionados, new cover concepts and lots more. But first of all, I ask them to name their favourite Fleming books...
Analyse this: supporting James Bond psychologically Licence To Queer 2022-10-10 | Dr Brendan J. Dunlop, a Principal Clinical Psychologist in the NHS, clinical lecturer and author of The Queer Mental Health Workbook, helps me analyse James Bond’s mental health experiences and suggests ways he could find some more solace.I regularly write about Bond's psychology but I thought it was about time I spoke with an expert on the topic. None are more qualified than Dr Dunlop. Rather conveniently, he's also a fan Bond. We talk about the potential causes of Bond's mental health difficulties and things he could do to alleviate his mental distress.I warmly recommend The Queer Mental Health Workbook to everyone - even if you're not queer!
