Sticky dancefloors, sweaty bars, and choosing songs for your own funeral (with David Paisley)

This week we are talking to David Paisley, a Scottish actor known for roles in soap operas Holby City, and River City. He is also a tireless LGBTQ campaigner, recently being acknowledged with an Attitude Pride Award for his  campaigning against the trans-exclusionary agenda of the LGB Alliance.

He first moved to London when he got the role as midwife Ben Saunders in Holby City, and hated it. It wasn't until the second time around that the city's charms started to show themselves, and he had fun exploring the sticky dancefloors and sweaty bars of Soho. 

We originally caught up to talk about Ghetto, that beloved icon of the mid-00s queer scene, but, as is usual on this show, went on the scenic route, which took in other clubs such as Popstarz and Trash Palace, and some entirely unrelated conversations about funeral songs, Spice Girls, and the anxiety of controlling the playlist at a house party. 

Did you ever go to Ghetto, Trash Palace or Popstarz? Well, if you have, and you have stories to share please get in touch - I want to create the biggest online record of people's memories and stories - go to www.lostspacespodcast.com and find the section 'Share a Lost Space' and tell me what you got up to! Bonus points for embarrassing photos!

You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as @lostspacespod

And, whilst you're at it - go give David some love on Twitter - his username is, conveniently, @davidpaisley

David is also one of the people behind LGBT Glitterati, who are selling all kind of queer t-shirts, caps, vests and face masks, with all profits going to the Transgender Defence Fund - go top up your summer wardrobe at www.lgbtglitterati.com