Issue 1461

Suits you
As a child he was punished for being effeminate, as a multi-million record selling artist he was told to conceal his androgyny, and when he was confronted on TV about his sexuality it led to a breakdown. The former frontman of Savage Garden, Darren Hayes tells Gary Ryan he is finally owning his homosexuality – and it’s emblazoned in neon pink.

When Putin stole Christmas
Ukrainians are heading into their first festive season while at war with Russia. Maria Romanenko asks people in Kyiv and to the east and west how they are faring under Moscow’s assault and whether they will mark Christmas or the new year.

Time for giving
Susan Griffin speaks to six volunteers who are getting in the true spirit of the Christmas season.

Plus
News, live comedy round-up, economist James Meadway on rising household debt, columnist Roger Ratcliffe on falling fortunes for local papers and actor Mark Bonnar’s letter to his younger self.