As an author of books like “Eat, Gay, Love,” and “Straight Expectations,” Calum McSwiggan is looking to provoke and soothe at the same time, raising awareness for the queer community through stories that are inspired by an insatiable thrill for discovering the world.
Words by Niccolo Brandon Serratt
Images courtesy of Calum McSwiggan
In the buzzing realm of the online world, Calum McSwiggan stands out as a champion for change, mixing stories of LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, and travel into one big, colorful journey towards making a difference. McSwiggan uses his unique voice to stand up for those on the sidelines, all while chasing adventures around the planet with a thirst for more than just seeing new sights.
Eat, Gay, Love, McSwiggan’s travel memoir, is a playful twist on Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love, charting his explorations beyond his hometown of London. His adventures range from connecting with an Italian teenager battling a homophobic father, to delving into Berlin’s sex club scene, and caring for tigers at a sanctuary in Thailand. Through these experiences, McSwiggan remains unapologetically himself, offering insights into traveling with purpose, writing with fervor, and championing social justice.
However, McSwiggan’s writings extend beyond travel. He is also the author of Straight Expectations, a novel exploring the journey of a boy whose desire to be straight becomes a reality, and Masquerade, a queer reinterpretation of the Bill Murray classic Groundhog Day.
His passion lies in the stories of the people he encounters, the potential for positive change, and the belief that one should never prejudge a story without experiencing it firsthand. I’m looking forward to exploring a mix of destinations for both enjoyment and advocacy.
“As I embrace full-time nomadic life, I’m keen on pushing boundaries and expanding my experiences to share firsthand insights with my community,” McSwiggan says. “This approach aims to challenge assumptions and offer a personal perspective on LGBTQ+ life around the world, enriching both my advocacy and my audience’s understanding.”
Traveling has offered me a nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ life worldwide.”
Can you share the moment or experience that initially inspired you to start creating content focused on LGBTQ+ issues and advocacy?
Certainly. My journey in this field began around 2008-2009, triggered by a surprising incident during my university years. I discovered I couldn’t donate blood simply because I was a gay man. This revelation at a blood drive, where I was turned away, struck me as utterly ridiculous. Having educated myself on HIV and understanding the science, I felt compelled to act. This led me to write an article for my local student magazine, which eventually evolved into creating a blog. That blog laid the groundwork for further writing, a YouTube channel, and other social media platforms. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to advocating for LGBTQ+ issues, albeit my focus has shifted over the years. Initially more broadly focused, I now mainly concentrate on travel, always with the LGBTQ+ community in mind.
What new perspectives or insights were you aiming to offer readers about the LGBTQ+ experience that you felt were missing from public discourse?
My book, Eat, Gay, Love, reflects my global travels and the incredible LGBTQ+ individuals I’ve met along the way. My passion for travel is deeply intertwined with the people I encounter, particularly those from the queer community worldwide. Having grown up in the United Kingdom, I realised my understanding of queer issues was somewhat insular. We often celebrate our own milestones, like Pride in San Francisco or the Stonewall Riots, overlooking the broader, global narrative. My aim was to share my experiences and pay tribute to the diverse and remarkable LGBTQ+ people I’ve met globally, expanding the conversation beyond our localised views.
Eat, Gay, Love, reflects my global travels and the incredible LGBTQ+ individuals I’ve met along the way.”
How has traveling influenced your perspective on global LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy?
Traveling has offered me a nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ life worldwide. For example, despite Malaysia’s laws against homosexuality, my experiences there revealed a vibrant, welcoming queer community, contradicting the skewed perspectives often seen in the media. This has led me to believe in supporting rather than boycotting such countries. While I personally avoid certain places for specific reasons, I advocate for a more nuanced approach to boycotts, emphasizing support for local LGBTQ+ communities over blanket exclusions.
Can you share a particularly memorable travel experience that deeply impacted your understanding or appreciation of a specific culture or community?
My visit to Mexico for the Day of the Dead festival profoundly changed my perception of the country’s acceptance and community spirit, especially regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Contrary to warnings about visibility and safety, I found an incredibly welcoming community. My experiences, including a holiday romance where we were treated as equals in public, highlighted Mexico as one of the most accepting countries I’ve visited, challenging misconceptions and affirming the power of community and acceptance.
In your travels, have you encountered any challenges or barriers as a queer traveler?
Fortunately, my experiences as a white, gay, cisgender man have been relatively smooth, allowing me to sometimes “fly under the radar.” However, not all LGBTQ+ and trans individuals share this privilege, as their expressions of identity can attract more scrutiny. A notable incident was in Croatia, where my boyfriend and I were denied a double bed, a subtle reminder of the challenges still faced. Such experiences, though minor compared to what others endure, underscore the varied realities of travelling as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
My travels continuously inspire new content, driven by the people I meet and the stories they share. Unlike some creators who arrive with a preconceived story angle, I let my experiences guide me.”
How do you balance the personal and professional aspects of your travels, especially when creating content that merges your personal experiences with broader societal issues?
Sharing my travel experiences has always been a blend of passion and profession. My approach to documenting and sharing, whether for a close circle on Instagram or the public, remains consistent and driven by genuine interest. The challenge arises in respecting the privacy of others, balancing openness with the need for discretion. This respect for privacy is paramount, guiding how I navigate sharing stories that involve others while engaging with my audience.
Have your travels inspired any specific projects or content series focused on exploring LGBT+ communities or issues in different cultural contexts?
Absolutely! My travels continuously inspire new content, driven by the people I meet and the stories they share. Unlike some creators who arrive with a preconceived story angle, I let my experiences guide me. For instance, my visit to Antigua to cover the repeal of anti-gay laws evolved from a simple narrative to a more nuanced discussion on persistent homophobia, influenced by conversations with local queer Antiguans. This approach allows for a more authentic exploration of LGBT+ issues across different cultures.
Looking back on your travels and career so far, what advice would you give to someone looking to use their platform for advocacy, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ rights and mental health?
The key is to speak from personal passion and experience. While it’s easy to feel pressured to address every issue, focusing on what truly resonates allows for more genuine and impactful advocacy. Engaging in issues that strike a chord, without succumbing to the pressure to cover topics beyond one’s understanding, can lead to meaningful conversations and change. It’s about leveraging your unique voice and perspective to make a difference, regardless of the size of your platform.
Follow Calum McSwigganon Instagram.