Hello, & welcome to My Life, My Story…

I’m an emerging British Filmmaker, Writer & Performer; Social Justice & Equality Ambassador whose mixed-race, gay & Scouse. I was born in Liverpool, spent a decade in Manchester & now live in London with Alex my husband whom I married in Toronto. I’m the last child of 11, a great-uncle & at the age of 26 became an adult orphan when my mum died from ovarian cancer. I’m white English & black Caribbean of Irish & Bajan descent, & although raised a Catholic now find Buddhism of interest. In 2009, I was diagnosed with severe ‘reactive’ depression due to racism & homophobia as a Police Detective.

In 2010, I learned that The Sun newspaper unlawfully possessed my private data & was going to publish this along with a negative story because I had raised discrimination in my workplace. The leak to the News International tabloid by my employer tried to discredit me & stop my complaints from being heard, by threatening to make public my sexuality, mental illness & sensitive role. This was a turning point in my life, with me never allowing myself to be bullied or blackmailed again & led me to pursue filmmaking, writing & rediscover performing after 10-years loyal & dedicated public service. I fully came out of the ‘closet’ on my terms in the 100th issue of Outnorthwest magazine of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation.

I’m writing my first memoir ‘Broken…‘, which is my story about how discrimination caused my breakdown, my 3-year fight for justice & battle with depression to ‘help raise awareness & remove stigma’. I’m working on a feature film screenplay about losing someone close to cancer, & write articles for newspapers & magazines about social justice & equality. I champion the cause that Racism Ruins Lives, support various charities & edit my ‘View from the Bottom’ blog. I enjoy music, travelling & all things Japanese. My philosophy is Live Healthy, Laugh Often & Love Yourself! That’s me, Max.