Patrick McAleenan

Freelance Writer

I'm a freelance writer for Telegraph Men, Mr Porter, Metro, Attitude magazine and top mens' lifestyle online publications - www.theeverydayman.co.uk and www.carlthompson.co.uk

Also available for copywriting.

Portfolio
The Everyday Man
10/26/2017
The Everyday Interview: The Story of Tarquin's Gin | The Everyday Man

It's Gin o'clock for the latest Everyday Interview. A self-taught distiller based in Cornwall, our latest interviewee Tarquin Leadbetter beat 268 other international entries earlier this year to win the award for the Word's Best Gin at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017.

MEN'S STYLE BLOG
11/02/2017
Geared Up: Fitbit Ionic Review

Can it compete with the Apple Watch? That was the question on everyone's lips at the recent European launch of the new Fitbit Ionic.

MEN'S STYLE BLOG
10/12/2017
Dublin - in 24 hours

From its centuries-old pubs to its Georgian architecture to the stately Trinity College at its centre, the city of Dublin has a glorious sense of history and the ideal destination for a whirlwind trip that never feels too rushed.

the Guardian
#ChooseLove: why Smirnoff is taking a stand against LGBT+ abuse online

Following an alarming increase in anti-LGBT abuse online, Smirnoff has launched an online campaign to monitor LGBT+ hate on social media A report released in late 2016 by Galop, an LGBT+ anti-violence charity, revealed that 1 in 3 members (31%) of the LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transsexual) community have experienced online abuse targeting their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Everyday Man
05/04/2017
The Everyday Interview with Illustrator Jack Hughes | The Everyday Man

The sought-after work of London-based illustrator Jack Hughes is a master class in visualizing the contemporary man with exquisite nods to previous golden eras of style. Sharp, elegant and refined, it's no surprise his client list includes Montblanc, Esquire, Adidas, Mr Porter, The Macallan, Vogue, L'Officiel Hommes, Christie's, Harrods and several other iconic names.

The Everyday Man
03/08/2017
'The Everyday Interview' with the founders of NEAT Nutrition | The Everyday Man

Our Everyday Interviewees are two professional swimmers for Great Britain who swapped the pool for protein. Hands up who hasn't looked at confusing websites selling powders that promise to bulk you up fast to body-builder buffness with suspicious-looking ingredient lists and unpalatable flavours?

About Time Magazine
About Time: You Tried the MX1000 Workout | About Time Magazine

Who wouldn't like to burn a staggering 1000 calories in a workout? That's the promise with the new MX1000 workout from personal trainer to the stars, Matt Roberts. Is there a catch? Only if you mind taking part in 2.5 exhilarating hours of exercise.

The Everyday Man
02/04/2017
'The Everyday Interview' with Matt Townsend | The Everyday Man

Today we launch The Everyday Interview - a new series of '7 questions' interviews with founders, creators, writers, entrepreneurs and big-thinkers making a name for themselves in the lifestyle arena. We came across our first creator after spotting and ordering one of their beautiful monogrammed handmade leather travel bags.

The Everyday Man
03/02/2017
Adidas x Porsche Design Introduce the All Black Ultraboost | The Everyday Man

I can't be the only one who has continuously searched for the perfect all black trainer? There has to be a running shoe that's the perfect combination of technical performance, sophistication and durability. There's only so many times I can run in a pair of white soled trainers in British weather.

The Telegraph
01/19/2017
I'm a gay man - but if I were a footballer, I'd stay firmly in the closet

Hey, gay Premier League footballers, what are you waiting for? We know you're out there - you must be - so why are you stuck in the closet? Come on, why are you hiding? Tom Daley came out and everyone loves him. Gareth Thomas came out and made it to Celebrity Big Brother.

The Everyday Man
06/06/2016
Stride with Pride - Adidas releases 2016 Pride Pack | The Everyday Man

June is filled with all the colours of the rainbow as the LGBT community around the world celebrate Pride month and to celebrate, adidas Originals have released their rainbow splattered 2016 Pride Pack. A rainbow paint splatter is splashed across a series of T-Shirts, tank tops, bags, caps, apparel and shoes.

The Everyday Man
07/14/2016
'The Frampton Method' of Body-Weight Training | The Everyday Man

When was the last time you did a handstand? Up until recently, it had been a few decades since my days of carefree gymnastics but there I was attempting to do a series of them in a class called 'Power of the Body,' under the guidance of international male model, TedX speaker and movement coach Roger Frampton.

The Everyday Man
03/30/2016
Jude Law joins Lexus to live 'The Life RX' | The Everyday Man

Cars and cinema have had a long and mutually adoring relationship since the Aston Martin first appeared in a Bond movie. Ads are newsworthy cinematic events and been the creative kindergarten for a number of award-winning directors, including the likes of Ridley Scott.

About Time Magazine
Holidays to Mauritius: 48-Hour Travel Guide | About Time

SHARE ARTICLE / Mark Twain once wrote that 'Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius'. For the most part, it's true: Mauritius is deservedly famed for its glistening sapphire waters, sun-kissed white sands and luxury resorts but this paradise island is full of endless possibilities, with fantastic food, wonderful hospitality, arts and culture as well as a hidden treasure of activities for those with a more adventurous spirit.

The Telegraph
02/05/2016
What it's like to be young, gay... and homeless

"I always said to myself that I don't care if everyone hates me," says Jovanie Morrison, "as long as my family and my mum loves me, that's fine. But I didn't get that." Morrison says he knew he was "special" when he was six-years old, and was aware he was gay by the age of 12.

About Time Magazine
Gyms in London: The Best Personal Trainer Gyms

SHARE ARTICLE / While we are more than happy to spend money on an expensive haircut, a good bottle of wine or a night out, for many, the idea of a personal trainer has always seemed outrageously self-indulgent. Surely you have to be worth a fortune to afford a one-on-one workout?

The Telegraph
11/25/2015
'It is like slowly falling down a black hole': men talk about their battles with depression

"I was first diagnosed with depression after I attempted suicide, around the age of 35, but I suffered depression before then. It's rarely bad now but back then it felt like slowly falling down a black hole desperate for something to grasp onto, something that would make sense of why things seem so f***ed up when rationally there was no reason to feel that bad and that made me feel pitiful, angry and desperate to escape.

Sabotage Times
10/07/2014
Shirt Stays Will Keep Your Shirt Looking Smart All Night

I'm no longer running around climbing trees and swinging from branches but like many guys with an active, busy lifestyle, I loath having to continually retuck my shirt. Thankfully, a friend's husband who works in the bar industry finally solved this sartorial problem, after I observed and remarked on how neat and flat his shirt remained on a night out dancing.

About Time Magazine
Top 5: Beautiful Breakfast Kensal Rise

SHARE ARTICLE / Once described as the wrong side of Portobello, Kensal Rise is now the leafy, favoured home of a breed of fashion, media and music people. Former and present residents include the likes of Sienna Millar, Daniel Craig, Jade Jagger, Thandie Newton, Lily Allen and Sophie Dahl, making it one of the most hip and sought after postcodes of London.

Metro
06/19/2013
What would you write in your own obituary?

'Patrick died peacefully in his sleep (just after completing his 50th marathon), aged 97, following a long career that saw millions inspired by his fitness empire which included clubs, classes, books and millions raised for charitable causes.' The beginning of my obituary, to be published in 2069. Morbid? Perhaps not.

Metro
06/28/2013
The name game: Celebs need to take it seriously

Of all the names they could have chosen, what was the inspiration behind North West? What is it with celebrities and headline-grabbing names for their newborns? One wonders what nicknames the new offspring of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West has to look forward to when she hits a certain age.

Metro
07/10/2013
Smartphones in restaurants or bad grammar: What are your pet peeves?

If you are reading this article over someone's shoulder, stop it now. Apart from the fact that you are just about to get an annoyed look from the person holding the paper, it's bad manners and bad underground etiquette. More importantly, you could be tapping into your fellow traveller's pet peeve.

Metro
09/13/2013
21 days and counting... What habits do you want to give up?

Old habits die hard. We are all creatures of habit. Are you giving up something, giving in or starting over? Patrick McAleenan investigates the effect our behaviour has on us and the world around us... What things do you do on repeat every day? Check your phone as soon as you wake up?

Metro
10/22/2013
I WANT IT AND I WANT IT NOW! Why are we so impatient?

It wasn't really that long ago that we had to deal with dial-up internet speeds. If you put someone on a a 5Mbps connection now, they'll make a hasty beeline to the router to see what's broken, before posting a mini-breakdown online about their lack of instant access.

Metro
01/24/2014
Hyperbole has never been great

The 'great' train robber Ronnie Biggs was recently laid to rest, as was the 'great' actor Peter O'Toole. One was a criminal, the other a leading actor and self-confessed womaniser. Roger Federer is cited as the greatest tennis player of all, Elvis the greatest entertainer and Pele the greatest footballer.

Telegraph.co.uk
Tom Daley: Why do so few men admit to being bisexual?

As a gay man, I have mostly avoided dating bisexual men, but perhaps that's because I fell in love with one once. (He's now married. To a woman.) Or perhaps there's another reason. Perhaps I haven't met enough of them, which would be understandable considering they are often compelled to remain closeted when it comes to their split sexuality.

Telegraph.co.uk
Why does society still have a problem with camp men?

"Straight acting looking for straight acting." Look at the gay section on any dating website and that's frequently the first sentence of profiles. I find it perplexing. Sure, the first few dates are always about showing off the 'brochure' version of yourself, but since when was the ability to 'act' a desirable trait?

Telegraph.co.uk
Why I decided to give up hangovers

On the nights I did drink, I drank a lot. I've been told I can handle my booze. I put it down to being Irish. I didn't fall over and I was never abusive or rude. In fact, I'm sweet, affectionate and funny when drunk - the heart and soul of any party (or so I think).

Telegraph.co.uk
Have we stopped taking HIV seriously?

The latest National Aids Trust figures also revealed that 21,900 people in the UK are unaware they are infected with the virus. Every one of us, gay or straight, is aware when we have unsafe sex that we put ourselves at risk of a sexually transmitted disease, HIV included.

Telegraph.co.uk
Eurovision: Have we finally learnt to accept transvestites?

The couple I earwigged at my local Tesco's used 'he' a few times during their conversation when referring to Wurst. Wrong again. With transvestite people, you use the pronoun of whatever gender they are presenting. If you're talking about a man dressed as a woman, 'she' is respectful.

Telegraph.co.uk
06/25/2014
Why aren't more gay men becoming parents?

It doesn't help that 80pc of us believe our sexuality is a barrier when considering adoption or fostering, while two in five lesbian, gay and bisexual people say they consider their own family's attitudes a barrier to becoming a parent.

Telegraph.co.uk
Is it really harder for gay sportsmen to come out?

The night his wife left him, he dressed in his best grey suit issued by the Welsh Rugby Union and headed to the swimming pool of his home, set upon drowning himself. It's hard to not to be affected by Thomas's heartfelt words which many gay men, who have cloaked themselves in the security of a heterosexual relationship, will be able to relate to.

Telegraph.co.uk
Generation Z think they know it all. They're so wrong

The study, of 2,000 UK residents, including 1,000 16-24 year-olds, found that 71% believe young adults are more 'worldly-wise' now than in previous generations and 80% of 16-24 year-olds would use this term to describe themselves now. I beg to differ. Having the 'world' at your fingertips does not equate to being 'worldly-wise' in its truest sense.

Telegraph.co.uk
There's no conversation quite like telling your mum and dad that you're gay

This period pre-dates the internet, omnipresent social platforms and websites like rucomingout.com , which provide invaluable support to people who are on the cusp of coming out or who have already done so. Back then, I didn't know anyone else who was gay, I had never been to a gay bar and I had never spoken to anyone else who had come out.

Telegraph.co.uk
Homophobia taints the British Asian community

"She wasn't angry and suggested he see a psychiatrist to try and find a cure for his sexuality." Two days later, Dr Mahmood fell to his death from a balcony in West Hampstead. A coroner ruled that he took his own life.

Telegraph.co.uk
Why being gay doesn't pay

The findings feed into some antiquated sexuality stereotyping. The usual factors that prevent straight women climbing the corporate ladder - flexible working needs and maternity leave - are less likely to apply to lesbians, the researchers of the study claimed. That will be news for a number of lesbians I know, who have raised their families while working full time.

Telegraph.co.uk
Why I decided to become a nude life model

Ever since Adam reached for a fig leaf, males have been covering their modesty to a greater or less degree. And despite the occasional flash of male flesh in the media, from David Beckham launching a new underwear range to controversial fashion designers sending male models down their catwalk naked from the waist down, most of us are pretty prudish.

Telegraph.co.uk
It's time gay relationships were part of the school curriculum

The NUT's Christine Blower has called for all parties to 'show their commitment to tackling discrimination' The motion reads: "Conference believes that schools should be places that allow students and staff to be free from homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, to enjoy a positive educational experience.

Telegraph.co.uk
Why is it not OK for gay men to look gay, Mr Armani?

One wonders if he has given his press advisors the elbow recently or if he simply feels that his reported £5bn fortune gives him carte blanche to say whatever the hell is on his mind, even if it means offending a significant slice of his audience?

Telegraph.co.uk
As a gay man who has safe sex, why can't I give blood?

In simple terms, as a gay man, I can't donate my blood unless I can honestly say I have abstained from sex for a period of 12 months. Now, I've had dry spells in the past but thankfully none have stretched that far.

Telegraph.co.uk
Meet the 'Leukaemia Warrior' waging a public battle with cancer

Bolin decided to write about his experience as a way of dealing with the diagnosis. Despite having only blogged for three weeks, his site, FabianBolinCancerWarrior, has caught the internet's attention. He's received over 100,000 emails and messages of support and advice since his diagnosis, and each new post elicits thousands of comments.

Telegraph.co.uk
Are men afraid of transgender women?

The existence of transgender women pose a threat to this concept of masculinity. If something so highly valued and prized can be cast aside, then it suggests that thing might not be so great after all. Misogyny inherently lies at the heart of this: the unwarranted devaluation of women and the feminine, and the concurrent, unwarranted elevation of men and the masculine.