THEGAYUK

Day: 16 March 2014

  • COLUMN | 1967 And All That

    I often feel such apathy when it comes to politics and I’m a little ashamed of this. We live in an age of complacency when we often feel that having the latest technology, watching the latest T.V. program or owning the latest item of clothing is of rank importance and it’s hard not to fall into that pattern.

    Sitting in the comfort of my home, I feast my eyes on the events of other countries and let myself feel briefly indignant at how homosexuals are treated in Russia and some African countries and then I pour myself another coffee and carry on flicking through a glossy magazine or idly perusing the Internet.

    I saw a play yesterday about the 1967 legal changes that paved the way for gay equality in the UK. The laws that were passed led to homosexuality being decriminalised between consenting adults in private, albeit with an unequal age of consent. It’s hard to believe that it was so recent in our history that we were recognised as lawful and not some sinister and grotesque force of evil.

    Contrast this with stepping out of the theatre and seeing a right wing group with racist and homophobic ideals marching in protest through central London. It’s a stark reminder that we may have won the majority of the battles over the past 50 years but that the war is far from over. We’re in constant danger of losing ground. Public opinion changes and forces with evil or just ignorant and misguided intent gain ground without us even noticing.

    Pre-1967 there was a dark and dangerous climate for us. Blackmail, imprisonment, and psychiatric therapy: these were all far from unusual things for the homosexual male to be faced with as well as venom, hatred and vilification.

    Like most of us, I’m a little bit lazy, slightly complacent and frequently preoccupied with own tiny sphere of existence. This isn’t going to change massively. However, I have made a vow and that’s to be more aware. I’m going to read more, notice more and see where that takes me. I’m not going to turn into Peter Tatchell and put myself in the firing line constantly (my nerves are too fragile for that) but at least it’s a step forward. Maybe you could join me in this? Who knows where it’ll take us and what good it might do.

    Right, that’s enough politics. The soapbox can go back for storing soap in and I’m off to look around shops. I’ve done my political thinking for today.

  • Fashion Faux Pas – Footwear

    There was a time man walked the earth barefoot, of course at that time man didn’t bathe, wore a loincloth and carried a club around with them.

    In today’s society man can do almost anything and can walk the earth in as many different styles of footwear as his heart so desires; Brogues, Loafers, Boots, Trainers, the list goes on. What’s the saying? ‘Give a guy the right pair of Penny Loafers and he can conquer the world?’ I’m sure it goes something like that. Why then, do I see so many guys wondering this planet wearing the most god-awful things on their feet? It’s almost like they woke up and strapped my version of hell to their ankles and thought ‘sod it! That will do,’ no boys, no!

    To help you avoid this tragic mess here’s a few mistakes to avoid!

    1, Crocs – I don’t care how comfy you say they are if you aren’t 5 years old or under it’s not cute! Originally created in 2002 they unfortunately and for reasons unknown to me took the world by storm however, they look cheap, frumpy and scream cheap tourist. When I thought it couldn’t get any worse in 2006 they invented Crocs Jewellery, otherwise known as ‘Jibbitz.’ So if you have no life or self-respect you can stick hello kitty charms to your toes. Jewellery for your goddamn Crocs, vom!

    2, Uggs (Muggs?) – A guy wearing Ugg Boots could quite possibly put me off a guy all together. Picture this, your first encounter in your dates bedroom and things are getting hot and steamy. You look over his shoulder and spot a pair of Ugg Boots amongst his footwear collection. Automatically this guy goes from hot to flaccid and the mood is dead! Ugg Boots on women, yes, Ugg Boots on men, no. You’re very welcome.

    3, Socks with Sandals – This one honestly just makes me laugh. Old Romans wore socks with sandals over 2000 years ago, where the trend should have died, but unfortunately it has become a popular faux pas among middle-aged men who’ve seemingly given up on style altogether.

    The sock and sandal combo is when a guy will for reasons better known to himself wear a pair of (usually beige) socks underneath the ugliest pair for sandals known to the 99p store. Perhaps he is super cold but loves his sandals too much? Perhaps he dressed in the dark? We will never know, only grimace.

    A FINAL NOTE
    If your footwear reflects any of the 3 examples above do not panic, this can be easily rectified with a trip to Westfield for a day of shopping. If you want advice regarding footwear you should have in your collection then let me know in the comment section and I will do my best to help you out!