Tim McArthur

Tim McArthur (he/him)

“In Jan 2025 I turned 50. I came out when I was 15, 35 years ago. After all this time, I am finally starting to feel comfortable with who I am. As a very hairy, a little larger (then I was before) out and proud gay man. In my 20s I think my sexuality was at the forefront of my personality, my life choices related into how I behaved and what I did. Maybe at times I portrayed a more effeminate approach as I thought this is how gay man had to behave. Now a days it feels less important. I remember saying when meeting people “Hey I’m Tim, I am gay”. Now a days its “Hey I am Tim and I am a Capricorn”. Well not always the Capricorn bit. On reflection I think this was maybe because being gay then and coming out in the 90s especially with Clause 28. It was much more challenging, difficult and testing then, especially where I am from in the north it was not accepted. I was a fighter and wanted to fight the bullies. In honesty that side of my personality has not waived.

I think over the years, I have been very lucky in my work environment. To have a creative queer voice in the entertainment industry has been a true blessing. From The Stag to the RVT to my time spent in New York. Even though at times some sections of the entertainment industry have been limited in hiring strong LGTBTQ artists. As gay men can’t play straight men, but ones hopes times are changing.

Style wise I think I have always been out there. Although a few years back I did open my wardrobe and noticed that I had a lot of black clothes, that has changed now. The clothing brands will dictate to us in each season what colours to wear, autumn and winter when you get on the tube is just a series of greys and blacks, how dreary. I now wear much more colourful things. We are all unique and should be able to wear what we like. I often do buy different things, especially for my performances. But then they sort of sneak into my everyday wardrobe. This past year, I decided to grow my hair. I have never had long hair and thought fuck it, why not. Which may or not resulted in me wearing a Turban, at my flat during the day.

The shoot with Chris was joyous, I felt at ease, love his work. We had three different costumes changes, I wanted to celebrate my masculinity and yet my rather glamorous showbiz, gay side, I hope that comes through.

I present a radio show all about theatre, called the Curtain Up Show, next May we will celebrate our 14th year. Over the years, I have interviewed many creatives, performers, producers, directors, the whole breath of different areas from the industry and one of my questions is. ” You come out of stage door at the end of the performance and their is a younger you waiting, and they ask you for your advice in life, what would you say.?”
No one has asked me this question until Chris has..
I would say. “Enjoy the journey! Don’t wish it away. Learn from other people. Respect other peoples views and opinions. Be yourself and cherish every moment. Play on your strengths, We all have our own paths to follow. Be you”