Category: Columns

Steven’s Viewz
Happy New Year to everyone!
A huge thank you for supporting 2Shades magazine in 2024.

Adishiri Chengappa and I have loved bringing you the latest features and interviews, and we cannot wait to bring you even more in 2025.

Steven’s Viewz and Tales of a Middle-Aged Single Gay Man have found a new home at 2Shades and will continue, alongside our fantastic columnists Dr. Anna Kennedy OBE and counsellor Heidi Gammon.

Here we go with the first Steven’s Viewz of 2025:

Stop Looking for Fall Guys in the Tragic Death of Liam Payne
The death of someone like Liam Payne is a heartbreaking loss that demands empathy, understanding, and respect for the complexity of life. Rather than searching for a fall guy, it is far more meaningful to reflect on the broader, more nuanced issues that contribute to such a tragedy.

Addiction is an illness that often stems from trauma and other mental health issues. It is particularly prevalent in the entertainment industry and has led to many untimely deaths of stars. The tragic passing of any public figure due to addiction inevitably triggers widespread grief, speculation, and often, finger-pointing. Liam Payne’s death is no exception. While the public mourns, a darker trend emerges—the search for a “fall guy.” A fall guy is typically someone or something blamed for a tragedy, serving as a scapegoat to deflect responsibility from the true complexities of the situation. In Payne’s case, this search for accountability is not only premature but deeply misguided.

Having witnessed it firsthand at some showbiz events, I can attest to the anticipation surrounding the arrival of “Charlie”—code for cocaine. Naturally, it is too risky for the stars themselves to collect the drugs. Instead, minions, restaurant owners, waiters, and assistants are either prepared with supplies or dispatched to fetch them. There was even a well-known hairdresser (who has sadly passed) whose clients eagerly awaited him in Chelsea salons, knowing his dealer would arrive while he styled their hair. When something goes wrong and a star dies, the hunt for the fall guy begins. But ruining other lives won’t solve anything. Yes, involvement with drugs is dangerous, but is the waiter or friend who picks up the drugs truly to blame? Why not the dealer? Should we chase the manufacturer, the source of trauma that led to addiction, or perhaps the manager, agent, or pushy parent? None of this will bring anyone back.

It is essential to remember that the passing of someone like Liam Payne is, above all, a human tragedy. Behind the headlines are family, friends, and millions of fans who loved and admired him. The emotional weight of such an event should not be overshadowed by a rush to assign blame. While the desire for answers is natural, it is equally important to recognize the multifaceted nature of any person’s life and death. No simple explanation can neatly tie together the circumstances leading to such a loss, and the pursuit of a scapegoat often causes more harm than good.

Public figures like Payne live their lives under intense scrutiny. Every aspect of their existence—personal struggles, relationships, professional choices—is dissected by the media and the public. This exposure creates a paradox: it elevates celebrities to mythic status while simultaneously holding them accountable for every misstep. The relentless search for fall guys attempts to rationalize senseless events, but this mindset overlooks a critical point—blaming others won’t heal the pain or bring back the person we’ve lost.

Another issue is society’s tendency to compartmentalize celebrity lives. The public often forgets that stars like Liam Payne are human beings facing their own battles. Fame brings pressure, and the mental health challenges many celebrities endure are often invisible. The expectation to maintain perfection, fit a certain image, and constantly perform can push them into precarious situations that outsiders rarely understand. By seeking fall guys, we overlook the societal and emotional pressures that contribute to their struggles.

Moreover, focusing on blame detracts from vital conversations about mental health, substance abuse, and the need for better support systems. When tragedies like Payne’s occur, the emphasis should shift to understanding the systemic issues at play. Instead of fixating on blame, society must prioritize mental health resources, destigmatize seeking help, and foster environments where individuals—whether public figures or not—feel safe reaching out for support.

Ultimately, the death of someone like Liam Payne is a profound loss that calls for compassion and reflection. Rather than searching for scapegoats, it is far more valuable to address the broader issues contributing to such tragedies. In doing so, we honor the individual’s life and may even help prevent future losses.

Let’s not place blame on his friend Braian Nahuel, whose only crime is being a people pleaser—a quality many stars are surrounded by. With time and experience, he will undoubtedly learn and grow.

Right Said Fred: Why we could all worryingly be heading towards an Argentine style government

A shift towards Argentina’s political model could pave the way for Nigel Farage to gain power or, at the very least, co-leadership with the Conservatives.

Two years ago, I wrote about the pendulum effect—the idea that political climates can swing back to right-wing governance if we are not strategic. Unfortunately, we haven’t been. In my opinion, it was inconceivable that Labour could take over and fix the mess left by the Tory government. However, I never imagined that they could actually make things worse.

Argentina’s President Javier Milei has made significant progress in revitalizing his country by implementing bold economic reforms and addressing long-standing issues such as inflation, public debt, and government inefficiency. One of his key achievements has been reducing inflation through stringent monetary policies and fiscal discipline, restoring confidence in the national currency. By cutting unnecessary government spending and promoting privatization in struggling sectors, his administration has stabilized the economy and attracted foreign investment.

Additionally, Milei’s focus on deregulation has encouraged entrepreneurship and fostered a more competitive market environment, creating jobs and boosting productivity. Infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships have revitalized the transportation and energy sectors, enhancing Argentina’s global competitiveness.

Efforts to renegotiate international debt have eased financial pressures, allowing the government to redirect resources towards social programs, healthcare, and education. This balanced approach has improved living standards for many Argentinians.

By promoting transparency, combating corruption, and streamlining bureaucratic processes, Milei has cultivated a more favorable climate for both domestic and international investors. These initiatives have collectively contributed to renewed economic growth, increased stability, and optimism about Argentina’s future. The country is now better positioned to navigate global challenges and sustain long-term prosperity.

However there is downside Milei’s policies has received criticism for their negative impact on climate change, the arts, and LGBTQ+ rights. His administration’s push for deregulation has led to reduced environmental protections, allowing corporations to exploit natural resources with minimal oversight. This has exacerbated deforestation, pollution, and carbon emissions, hindering Argentina’s climate change commitments.

Moreover, government cuts to cultural programs have significantly affected the arts community, leading to decreased funding for theaters, museums, and public art initiatives. This shift has marginalised artists and weakened Argentina’s rich cultural landscape.

In terms of social policies, Milei’s conservative stance has put LGBTQ+ rights at risk. Efforts to curtail protections and dismiss inclusive education initiatives have fostered a climate of discrimination and intolerance. Advocacy groups warn that these regressive measures could reverse years of progress in equality and representation.

Globally, money is the ultimate deciding factor in politics. As the phrase on the US dollar says, “In God We Trust,” but it often feels like money is what truly holds power. This reality helped Donald Trump secure victory in the US.

If Argentina positives have come at the cost of climate change initiatives and the arts. If the UK follows a similar path, LGBTQ+ rights and other social movements considered “woke” may face increased scrutiny.

I have only met Mr. Farage once, and all I can say is that he has a lovely girlfriend. Now is the time to think outside the box and stop prioritising issues that fail to resonate with mainstream voters. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it took just one earthquake to bring it down. The right-wing wave approaching could set us back to 1933.

JK Rowling says ‘no child is born in the wrong body’

Harry Potter author insists there are ‘no trans kids,’ only adults believing in an ideology that will ‘wreak more harm than lobotomies.’

If this God fella allowed children to be born with all sorts of conditions, it’s just possible one or two might have been popped into the wrong body, JK.

I do wish JK Rowling would choose a more worthwhile topic to battle. She has every right to express her views, and I respect that.

As for my views on the topic—if a person has undergone two years of therapy and gender reassignment surgery, they should be recognized as their chosen sex.

A man in a nylon wig and skirt is not trans; they are a transvestite and should not have the rights of the opposite sex.

Children should not be forced into rigid categories but allowed to explore who they are. However, no surgeries should take place until the age of 21, when they have fully matured. But that is my view and.

at present we are all allowed it with out hopefully getting hysteical

END Steven will be on Gateway Radio

Find him on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@ASKSTEVE2C380

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stevesmithwords22/?next=%2F