I used to think that romance fiction didn’t hold a special place in my heart. But then I realised I’d been reading romance all along, in the form of James Bond. 

2026 is an important year for Licence to Queer: we turn 006 years old! In this time, we’ve published more than half a million words about queerness in Bond, put out dozens of podcasts, raised more than £9000 for charity and created a real community. 2006 also marks the 20th anniversary of Casino Royale - without this film, Licence to Queer probably wouldn’t be here. And 2026 is going to be the year when we learn a lot more about Bond 26. We’re poised to bring our unique perspective to all of these developments. To get us warmed up, we’ve curated 26 pieces from the last 006 years.

Of all the fantastical elements of the James Bond franchise, it’s our amorous agent’s consequence-free sex life that strains credulity the most. The creators of the next 007 instalment would be wise to reflect modern day reality in at least one regard: we need to see him enjoying sex safely and responsibly.

When someone says they meditate, what do you imagine them doing? Many of us picture someone in a lotus position listening to 'chillout' music. Not the sort of thing we associate with James Bond. However, there's both more - and less! - to meditation than this...