Têtu : le magazine des gay et lesbiennes

GFL #002

Name: Vincent

Profession: Traffic Engineer

Age: 30

Moved to London: 2003AD

Residency: Hammersmith (Zone 2, West)

Origins: Thiais (a southerly suburb of Paris)

Hi Vincent. So your second name is Minzer, do you get a lot of “mincer” jokes from English boys?

I do get a lot of mincer jokes yes. To be fair, it is quite funny. Some of my friends take it a bit too far though when they suggest it’s an appropriate nickname!

Having a boyfriend called Vincent is so impossibly sexy though, we doubt anyone cares what your second name is. In fact, with a body like yours you could be called anything.

(Grins) Thanks!

(Blushing) So, you’re from a suburb of Paris called Thiais..? Is that pronounced like “Thai Ass”..? (holding up sheet)

Hahaha. That would be sweet! No, it’s sadly pronounced like “Tea Hey”, less exciting!

So what was it like there in Tea Hey? I really want to say Thai Ass now.

Well Thiais is a suburb of Paris but is nothing like Paris! I tell English people I’m from Paris, but actually the suburbs are very different. I was a student in Paris itself though. Thiais is a leafy suburb and had its perks but was quite boring. I spent my teenage years trying to escape the place and so I worked really hard in school to secure a place at one of the “real” Parisian schools!

What was the gay scene like for you back then?

Well I met my first boyfriend quite soon on and we spent our time going to friends parties who were generally straight. I hadn’t fully embraced my sexuality then so going out clubbing in Paris felt a bit secluded, but it was probably me more than Paris.

Well the hard work clearly paid off because you moved to London and became an engineer. How did the move come about?

I went to Nottingham first for an exchange programme and to complete me MSc to become an engineer. I absolutely loved my time in Nottingham and it was where I met James. After my year was over I didn’t want to leave Nottingham or James so I found myself a job in Birmingham which was close enough to Nottingham. However, life went on and four years ago I found myself moving to London, with a new job and newly single too!

Did it not cross your mind to move back to Paris?

I thought about it, but the decision was easy when I’d had a taste of London. My friends here are amazing and the city is so magical. For now I can’t see myself living anywhere else.

Can I just stop you for a second, that photo (above) shows you with an Olympics Rings tattoo. Is it real?! Can I see it?

No, haha, it was for a fancy dress party. I made it using paint and the screw tops of vodka bottles. It was a very fun night though (grins)

I bet it was. So tell me Vincent, what do you miss about France?

I miss my family and some of my best mates back there. The cheap wine! I go back every so often though so it’s not too bad. London has everything that I want.

Are English men different in bed to French men?

(Laughs) Now that’s a tricky question. I’ve been with more English men then French men so I am completely biased towards the English. But I had to say I prefer the English. I’ve always thought English is a sexier language to speak while having sex than French is. French may be the language of love but it’s not the language of sex!

When French friends visit you in London where do you take them? Which attractions do you most recommend?

If it’s their first time in London then I take them to see Westminster, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge, and obviously an unavoidable visit down the pub! That then leads into Soho for a meal and more drinks afterwards, and then I take them to see the night bus – for a complete immersion into the British culture!

There is so much to do in London, it’s very difficult to single out one thing. I guess it depends on who is visiting. I like to teach French people the distinction between ale, stout and lager though.

I was going to ask you about traffic engineering but I don’t think there’s time Vincent. However, do you have a favourite Spice Girl?

None, sorry! I’m the same with Madonna and Kylie. I see my friends desperately trying to get tickets for their concerts and raving about their latest albums and I just don’t get it! Please don’t take my gay membership away though – I like Robyn!

Only the best gays worship Robyn. In fact I’m pretty sure Frére Jack readers will be a bit overwhelmed by how perfect you are Vincent!

Thanks Frére Jack, it has been good fun!

If you’d like to keep in touch with Vincent and receive more photos of him in the gym etc. then follow him on Twitter @Naoij (race you to it!)

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TÊTU ARTICLE OF THE DAY: I love this series TÊTU does called ”Les Clips” that gives a range of the latest music videos on YouTube, mixing up new French material with more Western hits, including the new Azealia Banks video for her song Luxury.

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Follow Frère Jack on Twitter @jackcullenuk - especially if you’re a GFL!