You might have seen some changes on Gscene, and you are right. It is now called Scene Magazine and has new leadership, led by Leslie Clarke and his team. A change like this for a premium platform with such a long history within the LGBTQ+ community needs some light shed on it, or at least, that is what we think at esmale.com. So, we contacted him and were happy to hear he would make some time for us. As a business, esmale has worked with Scene Mag for many years, and we are excited to hear what Leslie’s vision is and also get to know a bit more about Leslie himself, so here goes.
Hello, Leslie. Thank you for taking your time, which I know is precious, so we will dive right in.
Esmale: To start with, can you let us know when you started this new opportunity, what it involves and how it came about?
Leslie: Thank you, Esmale, for giving me the opportunity to talk about the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ magazine, which strives to give everyone under the rainbow umbrella a platform to make their voices heard.
I was honoured to be invited by Brighton & Hove Pride — the founders of the now independent Pride Community Foundation (PCF) — to act as interim CEO and develop this exciting project. It became apparent within a few weeks of starting the job that Scene Magazine was looking for a new home and management. Scene’s vision aligns perfectly with my own for PCF, so welcoming Scene into the PCF family was an absolute no-brainer for me.
As now permanent CEO of PCF, I am responsible for developing the strategic direction of the entire organisation in collaboration with the board. PCF is committed not only to investing in LGBTQ+ infrastructure, but also to building partnerships within our communities and with politics and business through advocacy. Going forward, Scene will play an important role in this.
Esmale: What was your relationship with Scene before you were involved?
Leslie: Before I was involved, I knew and appreciated Scene as a reader.
Esmale: What would you say are the cornerstones of Scene Mag?
Leslie: Our core values are to reflect the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the UK and to shine a light on queer news from home and abroad. We want to be a platform for every voice in our communities, which is why we aim to make it as easy and accessible as possible to contribute content to Scene.
However, we’re not just about news and opinions. We also live and love art and culture.
Esmale: How would you describe the Scene Mag audience?
Leslie: Scene’s audience is incredibly curious. They are switched on and hold us to account, which helps us to improve what we do day in, day out.
Esmale: Now that you have been in the job for a while, what would you like to achieve with Scene Magazine and for its audience?
Leslie: My two goals are to diversify Scene’s coverage and ensure it truly reflects what’s happening in our home city of Brighton & Hove, as well as the rest of the country. There is so much queer culture in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but we need boots on the ground to provide localised news and articles.
I’m also keen to bring back the print edition. I know how many people miss flicking through the pages. These are my two goals for 2026.
Esmale: Can you tell me what a typical day looks like at the helm of Scene Mag?
Leslie: My day revolves around ensuring my team has all the tools necessary to continue delivering excellent work. My focus is on Scene’s strategic direction and improving our brand and website. There’s always something to do.
I don’t play an active role on the news desk. However, if I have something to say, I write an opinion piece, mostly on political developments.
Now that we have more of an idea about Leslie in his professional capacity, let’s see what we can find out about the man himself through some light-hearted probing.
Esmale: What did you do before you took the reins at Scene Mag?
Leslie: Before that, I ran my web design studio, Sea Brand, and spent a couple of years as a city councillor and cabinet member at Brighton & Hove City Council.
Esmale: In your personal life, what motivates you?
Leslie: My husband and our dog, Artie, motivate me a lot. My hobbies and friends also keep me grounded, helping me to get up even when I don’t feel like it.
Esmale: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Leslie: I love reading books. In my home office, I’m always trying to make my reading nook even cosier. I also love coffee and coffee shops.
If I’m not hanging out in coffee shops or reading, I’m probably decorating our house. I have a passion for interior design and am always finding new projects around the house.
Esmale: Favourite book?
Leslie: This is such a straightforward question, and I apologise for not having a straightforward answer. I don’t really have just one favourite book. I like books for different reasons.
Earlier this year, I finished Kelly Bishop’s autobiography and found myself thinking about different parts of it. Her life and career are so inspiring that, if you pressed me for an answer, this would be my favourite book for the time being.
Esmale: What does your perfect holiday look like?
Leslie: My idea of the perfect holiday isn’t a sightseeing marathon. I love spending time in areas where the locals are and I can’t help but chat to them. It’s about going with the flow and trying to experience a place through the eyes of a local.
Esmale: How would your friends describe you?
Leslie: My friends would probably describe me as a fun person who is always up for serious chats, but who is also open to chatting nonsense and having a great night out.
They would also say that I’m notoriously bad at replying on WhatsApp, which is true. They would definitely tell you about my obsession with autumn and Halloween.
Esmale: Favourite Meal?
Leslie: Love a Sunday roast.
Esmale: Can you name 2 things that are on your bucket list?
Leslie: Two things on my bucket list are travelling to Vermont to see the autumn foliage and going back to Los Angeles for a longer visit. I love this city and can’t wait to spend more time there.
Esmale: If you could send a message to your 16-year-old self, what would it say?
Leslie: It’ll be alright. Just hold tight and never give up dreaming.
Well, that sums it up. Thank you for your time and for letting us take a sneak peek into your world and that of Scene Magazine.
Check out the magazine here https://www.scenemag.co.uk/ for all the latest LGBTQ+ news, cultural celebrations, community connection and powerful journalism.
You can also follow Scene Mag on the apps:
With love
Team www.esmale.com
You can find more blogs here https://blog.esmale.com/
