ETHAN-JAMES
From international festivals to Ibiza dancefloors, Newcastle-based nightlife creative Ethan-James builds LGBTQ+ spaces where strangers become chosen family. Equal parts operations expert, gym enthusiast, and self-confessed nerd, he's as comfortable behind a spreadsheet as he is poolside in a speedo. In this GayWoof Woof Spotlight, Ethan talks queer nightlife, fitness, flirting, and why life is too short for bad music or boring parties.
I am Ethan-James. Originally trained as a professional performer, I spent years throwing myself around stages before making a surprisingly graceful pivot into creative direction and events management for some of the world's biggest LGBTQ+ nightlife brands. Somewhere between glitter cannons, 5am debriefs, international festivals and managing absolute chaos with a smile, I accidentally built a career.
These days I'm part operations brain, part creative menace. I love creating unforgettable experiences and building spaces where LGBTQ+ communities and allies can feel safe, celebrated and free to be exactly who they are. Think strategic leadership... but with better outfits, stronger playlists and considerably more caffeine.
When I'm not producing events or obsessively colour-coding spreadsheets, you'll usually find me in the gym, planning my next trip to Ibiza, or convincing myself that buying another pair of shorts is a sensible financial decision. I'm Newcastle-based, proudly Northern, and have never met a conversation I couldn't extend by at least twenty minutes. Some people collect stamps; I collect stories, playlists and reasons to stay out later than originally intended.
Despite working in nightlife, I'm secretly a bit of a nerd. I love the details, the planning and the psychology behind creating experiences that people remember long after the lights come up. While many people know me from events and nightlife, what matters most to me has always been community. The friendships, chosen family and incredible people I've met through LGBTQ+ spaces have shaped who I am far more than any job title ever could.
Ethan-James by @jamesrupapara
I'm ambitious, occasionally chaotic, relentlessly optimistic and probably already planning three new projects while writing this. Life's too short for boring parties, bad music or taking yourself too seriously. If there's good energy, good people and a dance floor involved, chances are you'll find me there.
20 QUESTIONS FOR ETHAN-JAMES BY GAYWOOF
1) Where are you from and where are you based now? Newcastle upon Tyne — born, bred and still proudly flying the Geordie flag.
2) What's one of the best things about the city you live in? The community. Newcastle has that rare ability to feel like a city while still feeling like everybody somehow knows everybody.
3) How would you describe yourself in three words? Cheeky. Organised. Slightly feral.
4) Are you a morning or evening person? Definitely a morning person. Annoyingly cheerful before 8am.
5) What are 3 things you cannot live without? The gym, good conversation (I genuinely never shut up), and SPF — because wrinkles are not part of the plan.
6) What's inspiring you right now? My family. They've always been my biggest supporters and loudest cheerleaders.
7) Your guilty pleasure? The Real Housewives. High drama, low stakes, no regrets.
8) Who are you listening to right now? Honey Dijon, Jessie Ware and JADE — the holy trinity of my current playlists.
9) What's the last TV show or film you watched? The Devil Wears Prada. Research, obviously.
10) Your favourite place to visit? Ibiza. Sunshine, music, beautiful people and just the right amount of chaos.
11) City break, mountain hike or relaxing by the pool? Poolside every time. Any opportunity to wear a speedo should be respected.
12) Gym session or lazy Sunday in bed? Gym session first, lazy Sunday afterwards. Balance.
13) Coffee or tea? Coffee. In coffee we trust.
14) The food you cannot live without? Coco Pops. At this point it's less a breakfast cereal and more a personality trait.
15) What's your favourite body part to train? Shoulders. Nothing beats a good set of shoulders in a vest.
16) What body part do people compliment you on the most? My bum. I'm not arguing with public opinion.
17) Briefs, trunks or jocks? Can "thong" be my final answer?
18) Shaved or unshaved? Let's just say mostly smooth, with a carefully maintained golden triangle.
19) One thing people would be surprised to know about you? I'm actually a huge nerd. Give me a spreadsheet, a strategy document or a project plan and I'm in my element.
20) If GayWoof hosted a party, how would it look? Imagine a rooftop in Ibiza, world-class house music, endless flirting, questionable decisions, suspiciously tiny shorts and everyone convinced they're leaving early... knowing full well nobody is making it home before sunrise.
