Some of those who have been interviewed for the documentary so far include:	Philip (London)	Rainer (Amsterdam)
André (London)	Maurice (Amsterdam)	Nigel (London)
Davey (Edinburgh)	Want to buy a copy of the documentary on VHS or DVD Video? I have been asked by a number of people if the documentary will be available to buy on video or DVD. The answer is YES. But at this time I have not worked out how I can do that.	James (London)
Detlef (Berlin)DE	I have to allow time for the documentary to be screened at film festivals before I can start sending it out as a video to individuals.	Hans (Amsterdam)

Contact: irl_skin@roughsex.org

Our History:
I would also like to keep the interviews for historical reasons. So even if you don't want to be seen on the big screen (or little one) but would like to know you have contributed towards a record of our history in some way, I would be happy to hear from you. I would rather we make a record of our own history than have some pseudo-academic make one up for us in years to come.

United States:
I am hoping to make it to the United States to interview gay skinheads there and eventually include a wider representation of view points. So please contact me if you live in the United States and are interested in getting involved.

Reviews of the Documentary:
Here you will find any reviews I have on the documentary. Always better to get someone else's opinion on it. (just click on the image to get a copy of the full review)

Q-Life Magazine: August 2003, Issue 2 (e-mail: qlife@eircom.net)

Gay Skinheads
A preview of Irish film-maker Karl Hayden's startling documentary.
Reviewed by: Filthy McBent

It's fairly understandable that the big question must be asked straight away ­ why in the name of Jaysus would a gay man in his right mind want to be associated with Skinheads? An apparently violent subculture, often associated with Nazi and white power ideology? And that's just your common or garden white gay man ­ what about the black, Asian and Jewish queers that try (in van mostly) to join extremist Skinheads groups around Europe? Are they mad?

(Click on image to read the full review)

About The Documentary:

Concept of the Documentary.
In recent years gay men who identify as skinheads have become more and more visible in gay communities across Europe and North America. Many have made a choice to adopt this identity in every aspect of their life while others adopt a part-time skinhead identity. For some people, both in and out of the gay community, the idea that a gay man might adopt such an identity raises questions. For the purpose of this documentary these questions are summarised under the following headings;

Identity:
How do gay skinheads define themselves, for example gay and skinhead or skinhead and gay? What defines a gay skinhead? Is it a sexual fetish? Is it a way for some to counter the fact that they are gay? How much does music and dress play a role in it? Is there a conflict between being gay and a skinhead? Which came first for the individual, awareness that they were gay or being a skinhead?

Lifestyle:
Is there such a thing as a "full-time" gay skinhead or is it a "weekend" thing? Has been a skinhead resulted in changes in a person's lifestyle? How much does the socio-economic issue play with a person's decision to be a gay skinhead? How are friendships affected by being a gay skinhead, are all the person's friends skinheads, gay, heterosexual? Is it any more different for a gay skinhead to find a partner/relationship that any other gay man? How easy is it for a gay skinhead to meet other gay skinheads and how much of a role does the internet play in all of it? Are gay skinheads different across the world?

Perceptions and reactions to gay skinheads:
Do gay skinheads suffer additional bias for being gay and a skinhead? Does the gay community see them as racist, homophobia and violent? Do heterosexuals see them as racist, violent, and "queer" ? Which, if any, has caused them the most problems, being gay or being a skinhead? Do they have problems getting access to the same facilities in the gay community as any other gay man, ie: bars, clubs, community groups and services? How do people react when they first meet them? How do people react when they discover they are gay and a skinhead?

Politics/Activism:
Does politics/activism play a role for them as skinheads? Does politics/activism play a role for them as gay men? Are they involved in mainstream politics/activism or do they have interests in specific political/activism issues, ie: HIV and AIDS issues, gay Rights and Human Rights issues, or no political interests at all?

Racial Bias:
Are gay skinheads racists by virtue of the fact they are skinheads? Do gay skinheads gain insight into other forms of bias as a result of them being gay?

Homophobia, Hetrosexism and Skinhead Bias:
Does a gay man adopt a skin identity because of some kind of internalised homophobia? Do gay skinheads suffer from homophobia from the heterosexual world? How do their heterosexual skinhead peers react to them as gay skinheads? Do gay skinheads experience bias from other gay men as a result of their skinhead identity?

Black, Asian, Mixed Race, Jewish or Muslim gay skinheads:
Is there such a thing as a Black or Asian or Jewish or Muslim gay skinhead? What is life like for them and how do others gay skinheads react to them? Are there issues unique to them that are distinct from other gay skinheads? How do their Black or Asian or Jewish or Muslim communities react to them as skinheads?

This documentary aims to address these questions, and others, through candid on camera interviews with gay skinheads from across Europe. Their views and beliefs will challenge some people, explain issues for others and create debate for everyone in the gay community.

Questions and Answers about the film and how to get involved:

Where will the film be shown?
This film is being made for screening at gay film festivals around the world.

Why make this film?
I am asked all the time "How can someone be gay and call themselves a skinhead?" and other questions such as "Does that mean you hate black people?" I hope that by making the film I can address these questions and educate people a little about gay skinheads and skinheads in general.

How can I find out more about the film?
You can contact me directly by e-mail (irl_skin@roughsex.org)

Can I be interviewed for the film but not be seen on camera?
NO. I am only interested in hearing from people that are willing to be seen on camera.

Can I decide what parts of the interview will be used in the film?
No. That would make editing too complicated and impossible to do. I am not trying to make people look bad or foolish, I am only interested in making a film that answers the questions I think people watching the film will have in their minds.

Will I be paid to be in the film?
NO. I am making this film with my own money and I have very little of that. So I am not in a position to pay anyone for being in the film. I hope others will see that the project is interesting and worthwhile.

When will the film be ready for screening?
My plan is to finish all filming after the Amsterdam Gay Skinheads weekend in December 2002. I expect to take two months to edit and finish the film. It will take that long because I have to fit it in around my other work, which pays my bills!!

Will I be able to get a copy of the film if I am interviewed?
Yes. You will be sent a copy of the unedited interview a few weeks after the interview is done. Then, when the final film is edited I will send each of the participants a copy of the edited film.

But what if I may not be able to answer all your questions?
There is no problem with that. You just answer what questions you can and don't worry about the ones you can't. Not all of your interview will be used in the final film.

What if my answers are different from other gay skinheads'?
That is not a problem. It's like being interviewed about being gay. We all have our own perspective on what being gay is, so why should it be any different to being a gay skinhead.

Where will the interviews be filmed?
In order to keep costs down and to reach as many people as I can I will be attending all of the gay skinhead meetings in Europe this year. The remaining events for this year include; FENIX in Antwerp next September, BLF in Berlin next November and Amsterdam Gay Skinheads in Amsterdam next December. I will try to arrange a time and place with each person before going to the events.