Tell us about yourself…

I’m Doug Armstrong, I’m an online content creator and globetrotting internet gay. At the moment, I write and produce music on YouTube as well as sing and play the piano. Outside of that I create a lot of content when I’m travelling, showing off the world as I see it, and just general lifestyle things for social media, too. I’ve also presented for a few different brands online, jack of all trades, master of none as they say. [laughs]

You’re quite a hit on YouTube…

I guess so! It’s been my full time job for four years now. The great thing about it is it’s a vehicle to showcase whatever you want. I’ve been lucky that over the past few years I’ve been able to show off my passions as they’ve changed. I used to do a lot more food and entertainment whereas now I’m really enjoying doing music. I’ve actually just got back from a big YouTube convention in Orlando. There was about 10-15,000 fans there, it was crazy. 

Do you have a musical history?

I’ve played the piano since I was five, I did jazz piano, but it was mostly just playing for fun and teaching myself. I’ve always been into musical theatre, I did some at school and university, and just generally being obsessed with musicals. 

What’s your favourite musical?

I couldn’t choose one, at the moment I’m really loving Dear Evan Hansen and Groundhog Day – I’m a big fan of Tim Minchin.  

What’s your USP? 

I’m myself. If you are your true self, nobody else can compare to that really. There’s not really many people doing what I’m doing in terms of the music, not only the comedy songs but the LGBT focus in the style of musicals. It’s taken me quite a few years to evolve and figure out what I want to be.

Why is it important for you to be representing this Pride collection?

I live my life online and a big part of that is being gay, it’s no secret. I like to live my gay self online. A lot of my songs are gay focused, as they say write what you know. When I first started on YouTube five to ten years ago I hadn’t really figured out with myself that I was gay so I came out online about four or five years ago. Since then I’ve become more and more comfortable living and showing that to my followers. It’s important to celebrate that and remind people to have fun with their sexuality and be proud of it.

What does Love Not Labels mean to you?

I feel like it’s very self-explanatory, there’s no better way to put it. It’s about celebrating love without having to worry about labelling things. 

Do you have any advice for anyone struggling to feel Pride in themselves?

I was a late bloomer in terms of my sexuality, it wasn’t really until my early twenties that I came to terms with it. Sometimes it takes a bit of time and patience but you’ll learn to love it in time. Five years ago I was scared of my sexuality but now I love it. It also helps being with the right people and friends who will love you for you and allow you to love yourself.

What does Love Not Labels mean to you?

I feel like it’s very self-explanatory, there’s no better way to put it. It’s about celebrating love without having to worry about labelling things. 

Do you have any advice for anyone struggling to feel Pride in themselves?

I was a late bloomer in terms of my sexuality, it wasn’t really until my early twenties that I came to terms with it. Sometimes it takes a bit of time and patience but you’ll learn to love it in time. Five years ago I was scared of my sexuality but now I love it. It also helps being with the right people and friends who will love you for you and allow you to love yourself.

What does masculinity mean to you?

I think it’s just another label and we try to avoid labels because they’re just words that become associated with certain things that aren’t always necessarily defined. 

Who do you love the most?

I love all guys, unfortunately now there isn’t one, I’m single and available, hint hint. [laughs]. I wrote a song called I Really Really Want A Boyfriend – which is all about my dream guy. 

Have you had any memorable fashion disasters?

Pretty much every day until I was twenty. Looking back at old photos of me I was a bit of a loser and had zero fashion sense.

FAST TALK

What does your dating profile say?

Really like food, gym regularly, like to party, travel a lot, 6’3”, use #fruity in your first message if you’re not boring. 

Do you have a pet?

My mum has a springer spaniel who is crazy and I adore. I also had about eight hamsters when I was younger but they kept running away. 

What’s your most used word?

I often say, ‘That’s crazy’ to fill a silence, even when it’s not crazy. 

What would your friends say about you?

Never wearing any clothes. I’m always posting topless selfies [laughs] 

Which colour of the rainbow most represents you?

Either blue because it’s always been my favourite colour but I also can’t resist a bit of pink because it’s "so crazy" and out there.