Famous musician and activist, Yungblud, took over The Big Issue for special guest edited edition

Today (Monday, 21^st February), famous musician and activist, Yungblud took over The Big Issue as guest editor to create a special edition of the magazine this week.

Dominic Harrison, aka Yungblud, aged 24, is an activist and musician who has built a devoted, and growing, global fan following. He deals in protest, in speaking for the outsider and in creating a new space for those who feel left behind – making him a perfect fit for guest editor at The Big Issue.

Yungblud chose a number of celebrities to star in his edition in his edition of The Big Issue, including Fearne Cotton, Louis Theroux and drag artist Bimini Bon-Boulash.

He explained why he chose them: “Fearne Cotton summed up my teenage years. On Radio 1 she was unashamedly herself, always authentic and the warmest person to spend time with. I hope you enjoy spending time with her in this issue.”

Fearne Cotton was keen to be a part of the special edition, as she is an ardent fan of both Yungblud and The Big Issue: “’I’m a huge Big Issue fan and have been for a very long time. There was a long period of my Radio 1 career, when I had this really lovely friendship with a Big Issue seller who would be in that weird forecourt of the new BBC building. I’d see him every day, and we’d have a coffee together.”

Yungblud continued: “Bimini Bon-Boulash, what a legend. With every great cultural movement, there’s someone with the ability to communicate it to the masses in a truly authentic and iconic way. I feel a connection with Bimini. A beautiful soul with a powerful voice.”

Bimini spoke to Yungblud: “I realised that there are no rules. Drag isn’t a uniform, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. That’s when it all changed for me. I’m not sure whether I’m even doing drag any more. I feel like I’m just doing me.”

Yungblud explained “Louis Therouxis someone whose voice I’ve listened to since I was 13. He has a truly unique approach to his art, that’s made his style inimitable and iconic. A real national treasure whose constant curiosity always inspires me.”

Also in the magazine is Michael Hall, who was subject to a homophobic attack after a Yungblud gig. Yungblud was horrified by the assault and wanted to give Michael a platform to talk about what happened:

“Michael Hallis a beautiful and vibrant person. After my show in Birmingham, he was attacked simply for being himself. The Black Hearts Club is a safe space of love and unity, and we feel that inside a venue together. It was devastating to hear that feeling was cut short in such a way, which is why it was important for me to put a spotlight on his story.”

Hall had an inspiring message for other people who have faced what he has: “Never change from being authentically you. For anyone. Because, at the end of the day, you’re the only person that you’ve got. Sometimes people are not going to be accepting or understanding and that’s okay. It’s life lessons. But if you be true to yourself and love yourself, you will be so much happier.”

On being the guest editor for this edition Yungblud said: “It’s been a real honour to guest edit such an important publication thats role is essential in tackling the Big Issues facing us today. The Big Issue means so much to me because it radiates what the foundation of Yungblud is about: equality, acceptance and, most importantly, opportunity for all.”

He added: “Given the opportunity to guest edit this edition, I’ve picked some voices that I admire and respect who I think can use these pages to share wisdom, have a bit of a laugh and tell their story.”

Yungblud concluded “Hearing what all these people have to say has inspired me so much. Never change from being authentically you. All the people who’ve contributed to this issue have inspired me on this journey of self-rediscovery. I sincerely hope they do the same for you.”

To support The Big Issue and its network of 1,300 vendors around the UK, please pick up a copy from your local vendor or, if you can’t get to a local vendor, buy a subscription at www.bigissue.com/subscribe.