INTERVIEW: Paul Burston

<p>If you don’t know who Paul Burston is, you’ve clearly been living under a rock. Stalwart of the gay scene, ACTUP activist, one time editor of TimeOut’s LGBT Section, writer for multiple magazines and newspapers including the Guardian and author of 4 best selling novels.</p> <p></p><p> </p><p><img src="http://www.thegayuk.com/communities/8/004/009/928/388/images/4610206191.jpg" width="460" height="462" alt="Photos: Krystyna FitzGerald-Morris" title="Photos: Krystyna FitzGerald-Morris"/></p> <p>In your time you must have had some incredible brushes with the rich and famous - who has been your favourite?</p><p>I've been a journalist for 25 years and I've been lucky enough to meet a great many famous people I admire, including Debbie Harry, Victoria Wood and Princess Diana. But if I had to pick one, I'd say Elizabeth Taylor. I met her at London Lighthouse in the mid 90s. She was so tiny - and every inch a star. I'd always loved her, and she didn't disappoint. She was one of the first stars to speak out about AIDS and a true original. Watching Helen Bonham-Carter play her in that TV drama recently only highlighted just how unique she was. Nobody does Liz Taylor like Liz Taylor. </p><p></p><p>We love that you call her Liz, like totally on first name terms. Bravo Gay stripes. </p><p></p><p>Finish this sentence: Champagne is…</p><p>...Great fun while it lasts, not so much fun the following day. Champagne hangovers are the worst!</p><p></p><p>We hear you Paul, we hear you!</p><p></p><p>Ultimate girl band: Rihanna, Katy Perry and Miley or Kylie, Madonna and Belinda Carlisle? </p><p>I'd have to go with Kylie, Madonna and Belinda. But only because Kate Bush, Debbie Harry and Stevie Nicks weren't an option. </p><p></p><p>Ooo you’re ultra old skool, (and you’ve made us spell School in that kooky way...) Excellent.</p><p></p><p>The campest moment of your life?</p><p>Introducing Celia Imrie at Polari last year. We managed to keep her surprise guest appearance a tightly guarded secret, although a few of the regulars had their suspicions. As soon as I announced her, there was pandemonium! If you'd asked me before then, I'd have said it was introducing Fenella Fielding - also at Polari. Both are fabulously camp women, beloved by gay audiences. And both are great supporters of the LGBT community. It was a privilege to introduce them. </p><p></p><p>You are kind of like Cilla Black, matchmaking the gays with their icons. We love it.</p><p></p><p>What do other people think your most attractive feature is?</p><p>I'd like to say it was my cheeky smile and sparkling personality, but it's probably my legs. I was a keen cyclist for years, so I have well developed leg muscles. And yes, I'm familiar with the saying, "nice legs, shame about the face!" </p><p></p><p>Ooo He’s got footballers legs and self effacing. Are you single by any chance?</p><p></p><p>If you were PM for a day what would be your first ruling…</p><p>I'd bestow honours on Bette Bourne and David Hoyle. Dame-hoods, naturally. </p><p></p><p>Natch.</p><p></p><p>What are the two things you couldn’t live without?</p><p>My husband. He's the love of my life and I can't imagine life without him. </p><p></p><p>My iPhone. I've written most of my new novel on it. I no longer carry a notebook everywhere. Everything is written in Notes on my phone and backed up onto my desktop. Now I can actually read my own notes! </p><p></p><p>You are ridiculously modern. Furthermore you managed to plug the fact you’re working on a new novel. The man is a professional.</p><p></p><p>Most embarrassing drunken moment?</p><p>Meeting David Bowie at an after show party. I'm a massive fan and got hideously drunk on free Champagne. When he arrived, I launched myself at him and announced that when I was 15, he saved my life. He smiled knowingly and said, 'really?' 'Yes,' I replied. 'And you're still the man!'</p><p>I couldn't believe the crap coming out of my mouth. I mean, 'you're the man!' Who says that? He must get it a lot. He's David Bowie, after all. But he was very gracious, a perfect gentleman. </p><p></p><p>We know exactly what you mean, we did that with Kelly Osborne once. Well, we think it was Kelly Osborne. It was dark.</p><p></p><p>Is there a gay Mafia?</p><p>Not really. But some of us like to dress the part. </p><p></p><p>Snaps.</p><p></p><p>Liza needs to do… next?</p><p>I love Liza. She's been written off so many times, but she's still here.</p><p>She's a living legend. She just needs to keep on living. That's enough for me. </p><p></p><p>Gotch ya, long live Liza. May she stumble from party to party forever. </p><p></p><p></p><p>Check out Paul Burston’s monthly Polari Literary Salon at: <a href="http://www.polariliterarysalon.co.uk/">www.polariliterarysalon.co.uk </a></p><p></p><p> </p><p><img src="http://www.thegayuk.com/communities/8/004/009/928/388/images/4611476916.jpg" width="460" height="30" alt="" title=""/></p> <p><a href="http://www.thegayuk.com/magazine/4574334751/INTERVIEW-Rebecca-Chance-LOOK-AT-ME/7815078">LOOK AT ME: Rebecca Chance</a></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.thegayuk.com/magazine/4574334751/INTERVIEW-Cheryl-Baker/7729151">LOOK AT ME: Cheryl Baker</a></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.thegayuk.com/magazine/4574334751/INTERVIEW-Helen-Lederer/6914529">LOOK AT ME: Helen Lederer</a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p> </p>