Wow, well Hiya!
This is a very exciting step for Checkmates. This newsletter is us opening up the doors to our community and keeping everyone connected and updated!
In this publication, we just want to chat a bit about what to expect from this newsletter, the style we are going for, and how you can get involved.
We also want to introduce you to our Newsletter Journalist Ailis! She is wonderful and has been such a huge addition to the Checkmates team. The whole team will be hand-selecting content to share with you all which will be passed onto Ailis for editing and publishing on a bi-weekly basis. This article will go out every other Tuesday, alternating with our podcast episodes!
Our last podcast episode went live last Tuesday, the subject was the feeling of Excitment. Leah speaks all about the things that get her excited, what’s happened this week… (shh!) and a very big Checkmates updates!
Hello Everyone!
Ailis here! I and everyone at Checkmates want to wish you a happy pride month! Pride is a celebration of love; however, it is also important to remember and think upon those that fought, and are still fighting, for equality.
To all of our LGBTQ+ friends, we hope that wherever you are, you are safe and loved <3
This month I am wanting to share with you some special pride-related media that I have been engaging with!
Introducing Ailis!
First of all, introductions are needed! My name is Ailis and I will be popping into your inbox every couple of weeks to give you updates on the team and share exciting news and content we have found.
So we can become good friends, here are some fun facts about myself:
1) I worked at a summer camp in the US for 3 months
2) I can play 4 different instruments (nearly enough to start my very own one-woman band)
3) I have gone swimming with sharks…even though I can’t swim!
Most importantly, I love writing and I am looking forward to chatting with you all more in the upcoming weeks. Stay safe and speak soon!
Binge Alert!
Firstly, who can say no to a good Netflix binge! This past week I have been obsessed with Pose, a drama series that follows New York City ball culture in the 1980s. The show focuses on gay and transgender communities and shows how both the AIDS crisis and racial/homophobic discrimination affected these communities.
I found the show to be super educational and it opened my eyes to a lot of issues I was unaware of. For this reason, I highly recommend checking this series out if you haven’t already!
Book Recommendation
At first glance, the title They Both Die at the End can seem like a massive spoiler. Why would you want to read a book that you know the ending to!? However, I loved this novel and I think you will too!
They Both Die at the End is written by LGBTQ+ author Adam Silvera. The plot follows the story of two boys that have been the date of their deaths and explores how they both come to terms with their fate. I won’t give you any (more) spoilers but this book is definitely one to check out! After all, reading is one of the most perfect ways to relax and give yourself some well deserved you-time!
A note from our founder, Leah.
My little note for pride month has to be the iconic series that captured the nation’s hearts (and tears!)
Channel 4’s- It’s A Sin.
It's a Sin is a British television drama. The five-part series is set from 1981 to 1991 in London. It depicts the lives of a group of gay men and their friends who lived during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the United Kingdom.
It goes through all the ups and downs, the raw and honest truth about not only growing up queer in the 80’s, but also navigating the AIDS crisis that left so many lives torn apart. Love and heartbreak, laughter and tears, dedication and confusion- the series pulls on every one of your heartstrings, there is no escape!
An absolute must watch.
Well there we go, a little weekly round-up for you. We hope you had a good start to the week, enjoy the rest (even if the weather is miserable!) and stay connected.
If you would like to submit an article or small note for the next edition of Check-in you can contact us at Hiya@mycheckmates.co.uk :)
Remember… When it feels like you can’t win, check in with a mate!